Ruth Ann (Stemle) Greenwell, 72, of Winter Haven, FL and Loogootee, IN

She was born on July 14, 1953, in Jasper, IN to the late Alphonse and Hilda Stemle. She married Kenneth Greenwell on August 12, 1972, starting their 53 years of blessed marriage. 

She had many talents and was often a close confidant to people in need. Ruth graduated from Jasper High School, St. Mary-of-the-Woods and earned a master’s degree in social work at Indiana University. She held many jobs during her career, most notably as a Health Care Facility Administrator and State Inspector. In later years, she volunteered as a Red Cross Worker and for Polk County, FL Library Services. 

Ruth and Kenny were blessed with three boys, Kent (Tamar) Greenwell, a son Earnest who died at birth and Scot (Zack) Greenwell. She was a loving and wonderful Mother raising successful men. She was a great Mother-in-Law. She was the proud grandmother of three granddaughters, Acatia Rose (Luke), Sarah Ann (Glen), and Sophia Marie Greenwell. 

Even though Ruth and Kenny lived away from Loogootee, they maintained their devotion as lifelong members of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Ruth was a former Eucharistic Minister, Daughters of Isabella member and served as a court appointed advocate for Martin County Children. 

In 2003 Ruth was diagnosed with Follicular Lymphoma. She was able to beat cancer. After 23 years it returned to take her life.