Joan Ruth

Joan Raina Ruth, age 54, of Ridgeville passed away on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, in St. Vincent Hospital in Winchester. 

She was born in Portland on May 11, 1971, the daughter of Clyde “Lew” and Janet (Kelly) Rines.

Joan married the love of her life Norman Ruth on June 25, 1994, and they had four bueatiful children. She was a 1989 Winchester High School graduate and in 1995 earned a bachelor’s degree from Ball State University.

She worked at Geneva F&M Bank in Portland for 25 years and previously had worked for LJ Stone. She enjoyed crafting, cooking and baking. She volunteered at the Ridgeville Little League for 15 years. Her favorite thing was spending time with her family and loving her grand babies.

Surviving are her husband of 31 years Norman; one son, Colten Ruth of Ridgeville; three daughters, Bridgett Berry (husband: Desstone) of Montpelier, Caitlyn Clark (husband: Bradley) of Farmland and Jalanie Ruth of Ridgeville; her mother Janet Rines of Ridgeville; one brother, Shane Rines of Ridgeville; three grandchildren; and special niece Shaylee Rines.  

She was preceded in death by her father Clyde “Lew” Rines; and a daughter, Francine Marie Ruth.

Funeral services will be Thursday, Jan. 15, at 6 p.m. in the Baird-Freeman Funeral Home with Pastor Jonathan Edwards presiding. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday. 

Memorials can be made to the American Heart Association. 

Condolences may be expressed at bairdfreeman.com.