FRANKLIN
E. Ruth Fleener, a woman of unwavering faith and boundless love, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2024, at the age of 90. Ruth’s life journey was one marked by compassion, resilience, and faith.
Born to Cecil and Aileen (Farquhar) Roberts in East Fultonham, Ohio, Ruth blossomed into a woman of remarkable character. Educated at Zanesville High School, she distinguished herself with High Honors.
Ruth spent most of her married life in Decatur, Illinois, where she adorned the roles of mother, homemaker, and bookkeeper for Fleener & Roberts Garage, the business she and her husband, Jack, operated together. Ruth’s closing two decades were lived in Franklin, close to her daughters’ families, and her final few years with the compassionate staff of Otterbein Health Center 3.
Music coursed through Ruth’s veins. Whether harmonizing in a quartet or gracing the keys as a church pianist and organist, her love for music was as boundless as her compassion for others. To those in need of a friend or a guiding light, Ruth extended her hand with unwavering kindness and wisdom.
In her 70 years of marriage to Jack, Ruth exemplified the beauty of enduring love and companionship. Together, they weathered life’s storms with grace and unwavering faith, a testament to the strength of their bond.
Ruth’s legacy lives on in the hearts of her beloved daughters, Susan (John) Watkin and Linda (Greg) Simons, as well as her cherished seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, who will forever be touched by her love and wisdom. While her physical presence may be gone, Ruth’s spirit remains ever-present, a guiding light for those who were fortunate enough to know her.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Cecil and Aileen, her son Stephen R. Fleener, and her sisters, Evelyn Willison and Eleen Knowlton.
A memorial service celebrating Ruth’s life will be held in Franklin within the coming weeks, details will appear at the website below. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Franklin Community Church, 2005 Upper Shelbyville Rd, Franklin, IN 46131. Condolences and memories of Ruth may be shared with the family at https://stpierrefamilyfuneral.com/view-obituaries/.
Arrangements entrusted to Wilson St. Pierre Funeral Service & Crematory, Greenwood Chapel.
