Mary "Ruth" Stapleton

Mary “Ruth” Stapleton, age 78, of Ligonier, Indiana passed away on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 at 11:27 pm in Goshen Indiana. She was born on February 5, 1946 the daughter of Lawrence Pascal “Ted” and Flora (Bilyeu) Gibbons in Hilham, Tennessee.

Ruth is survived by a son, Benjamin Hancock of Constantine, Michigan; a granddaughter, Lita Elizabeth Burton of Sturgis, Michigan; a sister, Shirley Smith of Anderson, Indiana; and a special nephew, Chad (Michelle) Marner of Cassopolis, MI; and a special friend, Carl Stanley Cramer of Goshen, Indiana.

She was preceded in death by her parents; five siblings, Elton Gibbons, Ray Gibbons, Clifton Gibbons, Jessie Mullins, and Judy Lauseng.

In her younger years, Ruth was a very talented dancer, especially to the great music of the 50’s & 60’s. She was a big fan of the Spike and the Bulldogs band.  She was married to Joe Stapleton of Ligonier for seventeen years. They operated their own beauty salon together when they lived in Anderson. Eventually they moved to Ligonier and Ruth retired from Tower Ribbon in Topeka, Indiana. She loved collecting and re-selling antiques. Ruth was a child at heart and loved celebrating each and every holiday. She was a social butterfly and an extremely generous person. Ruth loved giving to others.

A funeral service will be held in Ruth’s honor at 1 pm on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at Yeager Funeral Home, 1589 Lincolnway South, Ligonier, IN 46767. Burial will follow at Eden Cemetery in Topeka.

Family and friends will be received from 11 am - 1 pm prior to the service at Yeager Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Greencroft Goshen Foundation, 1225 Greencroft Drive, P. O. Box 819, Goshen, IN 46527.

Yeager Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories and condolences may shared with the family online at www.yeagerfuneralhome.com