Ruthann Richards

Ruthann Ream Richards, of Topeka, IN, passed away at home on Saturday June 22, 2013 at the age of 74. She was born in Noble County on December 15, 1938 the daughter of Forest L. and Helen Lucille (Peterson) Ream. She is survived by her beloved children, Michael K. (Laure) Cunningham of Topeka, IN, Kim Cunningham of Lake Forest, CA, and Dawn Irmscher of Fort Wayne, IN; Grandchildren, Ryan & Heather Fausnaugh, Justin, Jarod, and Jenna Cunningham. She was preceded in death by her parents and her companion of 25 years, Gordon Yeager. Ruthann was a lifelong resident of Topeka and graduated as Valedictorian from Topeka High School in 1956. She retired from the Ligonier Telephone Company as commercial manager with over 41 years of service to the company. Ruthann remained very active in her retirement and made many contributions to the community. She went on to co found Yeager Funeral Home in Ligonier in 2007 and in 2011 she co founded Legacy Cremation & Remembrance Center also of Ligonier. Ruthann was very passionate about community service and served civically in many capacities over the years including as the first female president of The Ligonier Rotary Club and was named a Paul Harris Fellow. She was also a Past President of the Ligonier Chamber of Commerce; served in The Order of the Eastern Star Chapter Prentiss, was a Past Matron, Past Deputy, and Past Grand Star Point. Ruthann was currently serving on the Board of the Noble County Community Foundation as Vice President. She was also a past president of the Noble County United Way board of directors. In addition to her many accomplishments Ruthann was well known locally as an accomplished organist and vocalist and had played and sang for hundreds of Weddings & funeral over the years as well as for several churches. She was a member of the Ligonier United Methodist Church for over 40 years. Ruthann will certainly be missed by all who knew, loved and respected her. Especially her staff whom lovingly referred to her as “The Queen” A funeral service will be held in her honor at The Crosswalk at Ligonier United Methodist Church, 466 Townline Road, Ligonier, IN on Saturday June 29, 2013 at 11 AM with Pastors Byron & Candy Kaiser officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Topeka, IN. Friends and family will be received on Friday June 28, 2013 from 2-8 PM at Yeager Funeral Home, 1589 Lincolnway South; Ligonier, IN 46767 and also one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorial contributions may be directed Goshen Center for Cancer Care or Noble County Community Foundation. In honor of Ruthann’s courageously fought battle with cancer that spanned over 30 years and her love of Purdue, attendees to the visitation & service are invited to wear pink or black and gold (Including IU fans).