Ruth (Schultz) Sullivan

July 17, 1917 - Aug. 29, 2009
SOUTH BEND - Ruth was called by her Lord and Savior on Saturday, August 29, 2009, to come home to the place that He had prepared for her. She was born July 17, 1917, to the late Henry and Bertha Schultz of South Bend.

A 1935 graduate of Riley High School, Ruth lived most of her life on the south side of South Bend, raising her family and working part-time for the family business, Sullivan Thompson Paint Store, and the Does God Exist program.

Ruth was preceded in death by her devoted and loving husband of 63 years, Ward Sullivan; her brother, Henry Schultz Jr.; and her grandson, David Sullivan.

She is survived by her three children, Sandra (Roger) Villines, Bruce (Elaine) Sullivan and Maureen Curtis; six grandchildren, Chrystie (Perry) Villines Turner, Terrence Villines, Audrey (Frank) Sullivan Monte, Ashley Melinda Sullivan, Staci (Jerry) Curtis Adams and Jeremy Ward Curtis; six great-grandchildren, Emily Turner, Alex Turner, David Edwards Monte, Matthew Sullivan Monte, Christian Curtis and Andrea Adams; and three sisters, Ethel Roberts, Irene (James) Hostetter and Bernice Miller.

She never forgot a birthday, and could always be counted on to send a meaningful card that said something lovely and sincere to the recipient - be they a child, grandchild, brother, sister or friend. Ruth always put her faith in God first, her family second, her friends third and herself last. She was the ultimate caregiver, the first person to be there if anyone needed help, and the last one to leave. She touched so many lives with her cheerful smile and gracious heart. She was special indeed, and a living angel to many - you know who you are. Ruth spent her entire life looking out for the needs of others. In the end she was rewarded with special, devoted care by a multitude of friends, and her family is very grateful. The family would like to give special thanks to her longtime dear friends, Karl and Julie Marcussen, for all the love and care they gave to her; also, a special thanks to her loving sister, Bernice Miller, and good friends, Connie Mellander, Joe and Sybil Lynn for their love and support.

The family's gratitude, as well, goes out to the wonderful staff at the Southfield Village, the ICU doctors and nurses at Memorial Hospital, and the staff at the Elkhart Hospice and Palliative Care.

Visitation with the family will be today, Sept. 1st, from 5 to 7 PM in the McGann Hay, Forest G. Hay Chapel, South Ironwood Drive at Jefferson. The celebration service of Ruth's life will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 2nd, at 11 AM, also in the funeral home, followed by her burial at Saint Joseph Valley Memorial Park. Memorial donations may be made to the Does God Exist program or to the Schultz Lewis Children's Home. To send condolences or for directions, please visit www.mcgannhay.com.

Published by South Bend Tribune from Aug. 31 to Sep. 1, 2009.

08/13/2023 EJS

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