Ruth Gaynor, 97 of Dover, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, November 10. Ruth was a true matriarch of her family leaving a lasting impact on many.
Ruth was born October 7, 1926 near Dover to Joseph and Mary (Kappes) Bulach. She graduated from Guilford High School in 1945.
On June 17, 1950 she married Bernard Gaynor at St Joseph Church in St Leon and they raised their five children on the family farm in Dover. Ruth and Bernie enjoyed riding on Peggy the Flying Horse at their wedding. Ruth and Bernie shared 35 years of marriage until his early death in 1985. Also in 1985, Ruth lost her Mother and Father. Ruth relied on her faith and family to bring her through the hard times. She was the epitome of strength, grace and all that was good.
Ruth went on to work for Sunman Dearborn School Corporation where she served in the school cafeteria and drove a school bus. Ruth enjoyed gardening, working outside, bus trips with friends, sewing, playing cards, baking tea rings around Christmas time, and family corn days in the summers. Ruth was involved with events at the St. John campus of All Saints Parish and the St Joseph American Legion Post 464. She was a true servant, humble and you would be hard pressed to hear her complain.
Most importantly, Ruth was present and always giving to her family, playing a huge role in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Her five children raised on the farm eventually became neighbors; all living on and around the farm on Sawmill Road. A tremendous blessing that accounts for countless memories. Ruth is survived by her daughter Mary Jane Stuerenberg and her four sons Ronald (Donna), Dennis (Connie Heil), Jake (Jackie), and John (Kathy). She was a loving and cherished Grams to Philip Gaynor, Molly Mason, Sarah Leiker, Amanda Rosselot, Tanya Zengerling, Shawna Leising, Megan Sterwerf, Michael Stuerenberg, Emily Alig, Kristy Alig, Trisha Todd, Travis Dee, Jenna Dee, Jacob Gaynor, Brad Gaynor, Ashley Gaynor, Laurie Aulbach, Robyn Andis, many beautiful great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ruth is also survived by three sisters, Joan Hoffmeier, Betty Ripperger and Ellen Bulach. Ruth is reunited in heaven with parents Joe and Mary, husband Bernie, brother Clifford Bulach, sisters Wilma Jansing, Margie Kunkel and great grandson Myles Alig.
Services honoring Ruth will be held on Thursday, November 16 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church of All Saints Parish. Rosary will begin at 9:00, followed by visitation from 9:30-11:30. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:30am. For those unable to attend, Mass will be live streamed at https://www.youtube.com/user/aspweeklyhomily. Memorials may be made in Ruth’s memory to St. John Cemetery Fund of All Saints Parish or Masses. Family and friends are encouraged to leave condolences at www.andres-wuestefeldfh.com.