Ruth Joan Klopfenstein , 94, of Columbia City, passed away at 12:39 p.m. on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne.

Born on July 10, 1930, in Fort Wayne, Indiana she was a daughter of the late Marvin D. and Edith I. (Smith) Geyer.  Growing up in Fort Wayne, she began high school at North Side, moving to Columbia City High School, where she graduated in 1948.

On June 24, 1950, she married Richard A. Klopfenstein, embarking on a 64-year marriage and raising two daughters.  Together, they exemplified true love, built on unwavering devotion, kindness, and a lifetime of cherished memories.  Richard died on March 19, 2014.

In addition to being a full-time homemaker, Ruth worked for over 20 years at the Whitley County Memorial Hospital as a nurses' aide.

She enjoyed gardening and adorning her property with flowers.  She liked to cook and is remembered for her delicious noodles and savory fudge.  In her senior years, she enjoyed crossword puzzles, reading, and watching old episodes of the Lawrence Welk Show.  Fond of Western songs- she often sang her rendition of "I Wanna Be A Cowboy's Sweetheart."  Above all, she was a woman of incredible resilience. No matter what life brought her way, she carried on with unwavering strength, showing us all what it meant to persevere. Fiercely independent, she never let challenges define her, and through it all, her love for her family remains her greatest joy.  Her daughters and grandchildren were her pride and joy, and nothing made her happier than the time she spent surrounded by the people she loved most. She was the best mother and grandmother, a source of endless love and wisdom, and she will be missed forever.

Surviving is her daughter, Judi J. Dunn of Columbia City; grandchildren, Nikki (David) Buckley of Fishers, Taylor (Jeff) Retter of Churubusco, and Adam (Aggie) Simcoe of Bothell, WA; great-grandchildren, Sarah Buckley, Ava Simcoe, Nat Simcoe, Grace Simcoe, and Graham Retter.

Additionally, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Terri Wait; a brother, Bill Geyer; and sisters, Jean Hamman and Sharon Hyde.

Visitation is from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday (Feb 7th) at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.  The funeral service is 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with burial to follow at the South Park Annex Cemetery.

Memorials in Ruth's honor are to Riley Children's Hospital.