From the Willshire Photo Star;   Sept. 4, 2013;  pg 3.

 

Ruth J. Bollenbacher, 88, passed away early Monday, Sept. 2, 2013, at the Laurels of Shane Hill in Rockford.

 

She was born in Coldwater on March 3, 1925 to the late Albert and Golda (Grier) Hassan.

 

Ruth graduated high school from Celina Schools in 1944. She married Jerome Bollenbacher on January 18, 1947 and celebrated 66 years of marriage.

 

Ruth enjoyed sewing, gardening and crafting. She will be remembered as being a fantastic cook. Ruth was a member of St. Paul's UCC, Rockford, where she was a member of the Womens' Fellowship. Throughout her life, she served as a 4-H Advisor and belonged to the Tri-Township Neighbors Local Farm Bureau Council.

 

Ruth is survived by her husband, Jerome and four daughters, Kathy (Dave) Taylor of Rockford, Lois (Jerry) Cox of Spencerville, Cinda (Doug) Pontsler of Monclova and Peg (Dave) Painter of Pitsburg; eleven grandchildren, Jennifer (Jason) Dietsch, Nikki (Mike) Etzler, Kristi (Roger) Voisard, Matthew Taylor, Timothy (Natalie) Cox, Jared (Jamie) Cox, Andrea Pontsler, Ryan (Sarah) Pontsler, Aaron Pontsler, Abby (Grant) Burgess and Cora Painter, and ten great-grandchildren.

 

She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Paul and Russell Hassan.

 

Funeral services will be held at St. Paul's United Church of Christ on Friday, Sept. 6, at 10:30 AM with Pastor Jerry A Flueckiger officiating. Friends may call on Thursday, Sept. 5, from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home, Rockford and one hour prior to the service on Friday at the church. Burial will be in St. Paul's UCC Cemetery.

 

Memorials may be directed to St. Paul's United Church of Christ or Hospice of Community Health Professionals, Celina.

 

Contributed by Elaine Mihm Geyer

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