Ruth I. Neal

Ruth I. Neal, age 82, of Cromwell, IN, passed away early Sunday morning, June 12, 2016, at Visiting Nurse Hospice Home in Fort Wayne, IN. She was born on August 27, 1933 the daughter of Eugene and Mary Elizabeth (Riechard) Chivington in VanWert, OH. On May 9, 1953 she married Robert Joseph Neal; he preceded her in death on August 14, 1987. She is survived by five children, Robert F. (Nancy) Neal of Cromwell, IN, Noreen H. (John) O'hara of LaGrange, IN, Becky S. (Kelly) Stephens of Knapp Lake, Mary B. (John) Hall and Jennifer M. (Douglas) Johnson both of Cromwell, IN; sixteen grandchildren; and twenty-two great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandson; four siblings, Joseph Chivington and David Chivington both of Cromwell, IN, Edward (Gloria) Chivington of North Webster, and Karen Mertens of Fort Wayne, IN; along with several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and a brother, Robert Chivington. Ruth was a dedicated homemaker all her life and had once worked as a telephone operator in the days long before cellphones. She was a member of Broadway Christian Chapel for many years and loved to do arts and crafts. Above all else, she loved being with her family and was an exceptional grandmother. A funeral service in Ruth's honor will be held on Saturday, June 18, 2016 at 4 PM. Pastor Sam Erwin will officiate. Burial will follow at a later date in Merriam Christian Chapel Cemetery, in Merriam, IN. Family and friends will be received from 2-4 PM prior to the service on Saturday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be directed to Ronald McDonald House, her favorite charity and her favorite restaurant.