Ruth E. Ifer, 74, of Bluffton, passed away Thursday evening, Jan. 21, 2021, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.

Ruth was born in Corpus Christi, TX, on Mar. 15, 1946, to Urban John Bender and Mary Ellen (Alexander) Bender.  She married Frank M. Ifer in Bluffton, on Apr. 15, 1967; he survives.

A 1964 graduate of Lancaster Central High School, Ruth later graduated from Forest Park School of Nursing in 1965.  She worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse from 1965 until 1989 at Caylor Nickel Clinic in Bluffton and then at Christian Care Retirement Community for 20 years, until retiring in 2013.

Ruth volunteered at Helping Hands Pregnancy Resource Center in Bluffton.  She was a constant caregiver and natural nurturer who loved the Lord and her family above all things.

In addition to her husband, Ruth is survived by a son, Kurt (Angie) Ifer of Craigville; a daughter, Kara (Ross) Frank of Bluffton; two sisters, Gail (George) Wetzel and Nancy (Randy) Hobby, both of Santa Claus; eight grandchildren, Aerika Campbell, Naomi (Drew) Derengowski, Josef Ifer, Hank Ifer, Pete Ifer, Ava Frank, Meryl Frank, and Celia Frank; along with four great-grandchildren and one on the way.

Aside from her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Betty Lou Bender and Jane King; and a brother, Robert "Bob" Bender.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021, at 10:30 AM, at the Bluffton North Apostolic Christian Church, with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church.  Doyle Frauhiger and Tim Drayer will officiate.  Burial will be at the Apostolic Christian Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to Helping Hands Pregnancy Resource Center or Christian Care Retirement Community.