Ruth Kemp

Ruth Kemp “Little Grandma,” age 103, a resident of Portland, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025, at IU Health Jay. 

Ruth was born Feb. 16, 1922, in Darke County, Ohio, the daughter of Noah and Evelyn (Brining) Nisonger. Ruth married William Kenneth Kemp on April 9, 1938, and he passed away on Sept. 6, 2002. 

She worked as a cook at Madison Township School and Jay County Hospital. She also worked at Campbell Soup in Saratoga and G.C. Murphy in Portland. 

Ruth was a member of Praise Chapel Church of God and attended Church of the Brethren in Portland. At Praise Chapel, she was involved in many activities include Women’s Life of the church, WCG of the church and served as treasurer. Ruth was an avid sports enthusiast attending many games in person and watching sports on TV.

Survivors include:

Her children — Marlene Neargarder, North Salem, Indiana, and Marilyn Bentz (husband: Jack), Portland, Indiana 

Eight grandchildren — Debbie Hosier (husband: Bruce), Rick Neargarder (wife: Kathy), Delee Hall (husband: Reggie), Diane Bentz-Cooper (husband: Odie), Phil Bentz (wife: Rachel), Ila Badger, Dick Watkins and Jack Burns

Twenty great-grandchildren and 43 great-great-grandchildren 

She was preceded in death by four grandchildren, Scottie Neargarder, Billy Bentz, Stevie Bentz and Missy Bentz-Lee; and three great-great-grandchildren, Hendrick, Harrison and Hadlee Neargarder. 

Visitation will be held on Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Williamson-Spencer and Penrod Funeral Home in Portland. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Pastor Kevin McClung will officiate and burial will follow at North Salem Cemetery. 

Memorials may be directed to Missy Lee Scholarship Fund through The Portland Foundation. 

Condolences may be expressed at williamsonspencer.com.