Ruth E. Garen

December 29, 1914 – June 2, 2012

Ruth Elizabeth Garen departed this life at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 2, 2012 in her residence at Sanctuary at St. Paul’s.  Ruth was a lifelong resident of South Bend and was born to Ruth D. and Fred S. Smith.  On May 8, 1937 she married Reese O. Garen who preceded her in death on January 8, 1998.  Ruth was also preceded in death by her brother, John E. Smith who lived in Estilefork, AL.  She is survived by one son, Thomas F. Garen of South Bend and many nieces and nephews.  A 1933 graduate of Central High School, Ruth had several jobs including the Bendix Corporation, South Bend Waterworks under Mayor Lloyd Allen, and the South Bend Voter’s Registration office.  She also spent 40 years as the District Chairman of the Republican Party.  She was a long time member of First United Methodist Church of South Bend, a member of the St. Joseph County Republican Women’s Association and the Near Northwest Neighborhood Association.  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 6^th in the Welsheimer Family Funeral Home, 521 N. William St.  Committal services and burial will follow in Highland Cemetery.  Friends may call on Wednesday, in the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Princess Mishawaka Questers #196, 16417 Summit Ridge Dr., Mishawaka, IN, 46544 or the St. Joseph County Republican Party, 4133 S. Main St., South Bend, IN, 46614.

Charitable donations may be made in Ruth's memory to the following organizations:

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