Ruth A. Gushwa Mears Shultheis, 79, died at 11:10 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2010, at St. Elizabeth Central. She had been in failing health and a patient there one day.

She was born Nov. 5, 1931, in Carroll County, to the late Reed and Eva Welch Gushwa.

She was a 1949 graduate of Delphi High School, and attended Ball State University-Muncie, studying education.

Her first marriage was to Kenneth R. Mears in Pyrmont on Dec. 24, 1951, and he preceded her in death on August 24, 1970. Her second marriage was to Charles R. Shultheis in Delphi on March 23, 1982, and he preceded her in death on May 30, 2008.

She and her first husband farmed south of Delphi, then moved to White County and farmed in Big Creek Township. She also worked in custodial services for Frontier School Corp. for more than 20 years. She also had lived in Brookston, Monticello and Alaska. She wintered for many years at Jensen Beach, Fla.

She was a member of Brookston United Methodist Church, and Charming Chatty's Home Ec Club, where she was a founding and charter member.

She enjoyed cross stitching, traveling, collecting crafts and the Colts.

Surviving are three daughters, Cindy Wasson (husband: Rick) of Monticello, Rosemary L. Mears of Lorton, Va., and Jennifer Pritts (husband: Mark) of Burnettsville; a son Robert Mears (wife: Dee) of Chalmers; two stepdaughters, Marilyn K. Shultheis of Delphi, and Sharon Dewing (husband: Bob) of Kentland; and a brother, Paul Gushwa (wife: Rosella) of Eugene, Ore.

Also surviving are 9 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

She dearly loved her children, grand and great-grandchildren, her brother, stepchildren, and all extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by a sister, Joyce, and her stepmother, Mary Scott Gushwa.

Friends may call Friday 5-8 p.m. at Abbott Funeral Home, Delphi. Service there Saturday 10:30 a.m., the Rev. Joseph Hornick officiating. Interment at Morning Heights Cemetery.