1933
Ruth
2023
Ruth Ann Rigsbee Willis
December 30, 1933 — November 20, 2023
Ruth Ann Rigsbee Willis, 89, of New Castle, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, November 20, 2023 at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital. She was born December 30, 1933 in Manilla, IN, a daughter of the late Emerson and Mildred Hester Rigsbee.
A 1951 graduate of Shelbyville High School, Ruth Ann attended Jordan College of Music (Butler University) and Ball State University. She retired from Trans World Airlines in Indianapolis following 42 years of service, where she served as Administrative Assistant to the General Manager of the Indianapolis station.
She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in New Castle, as well as P.E.O. Chapter AD. She was a former member of Executive Women International, and was Founder of Chapters in Ft. Wayne, Indiana and London, England. After retirement, she authored and published three novels, Broken Promises, Small Town Girl, and The Concert Tour, all after age 82. She was an avid reader as well.
She leaves to cherish her memory, her husband of over 68 years, Ralph L. Willis of New Castle, whom she married August 14, 1955; two daughters, Martha (Evan) McGrew of New Castle and Rita Gill of Albuquerque, NM; grandchildren, Krista Gill (Doug Sumerfield), Tyler (Jackie) Gill, and Emily McGrew (Sam Weitekamp); three great grandchildren, Lily Sumerfield, Theo Gill and Frankie Gill; nieces, Laura (Ron) Garard, Jane (Bill) Tingle, Emily (Tom) Wilson; Janet Armstrong, and nephews, Bruce (Judy) Rigsbee, Robert Buckley and Timothy (Tonya) Mullen; brother-in-law, Bob Mullen.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, William Rigsbee; sisters, Virginia Buckley and Carolyn Mullen; a nephews, Danny Buckley and Steve Rigsbee.
Services will be at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle with Pastor Michelle White officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery in Shelbyville, IN. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m., Monday, November 27, 2023 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the First United Methodist Church of New Castle, or Raintree Habitat for Humanity. You may share condolences and memories of Ruth Ann at www.hinsey-brown.com .
A 1951 graduate of Shelbyville High School, Ruth Ann attended Jordan College of Music (Butler University) and Ball State University. She retired from Trans World Airlines in Indianapolis following 42 years of service, where she served as Administrative Assistant to the General Manager of the Indianapolis station.
She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in New Castle, as well as P.E.O. Chapter AD. She was a former member of Executive Women International, and was Founder of Chapters in Ft. Wayne, Indiana and London, England. After retirement, she authored and published three novels, Broken Promises, Small Town Girl, and The Concert Tour, all after age 82. She was an avid reader as well.
She leaves to cherish her memory, her husband of over 68 years, Ralph L. Willis of New Castle, whom she married August 14, 1955; two daughters, Martha (Evan) McGrew of New Castle and Rita Gill of Albuquerque, NM; grandchildren, Krista Gill (Doug Sumerfield), Tyler (Jackie) Gill, and Emily McGrew (Sam Weitekamp); three great grandchildren, Lily Sumerfield, Theo Gill and Frankie Gill; nieces, Laura (Ron) Garard, Jane (Bill) Tingle, Emily (Tom) Wilson; Janet Armstrong, and nephews, Bruce (Judy) Rigsbee, Robert Buckley and Timothy (Tonya) Mullen; brother-in-law, Bob Mullen.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, William Rigsbee; sisters, Virginia Buckley and Carolyn Mullen; a nephews, Danny Buckley and Steve Rigsbee.
Services will be at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle with Pastor Michelle White officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery in Shelbyville, IN. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m., Monday, November 27, 2023 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the First United Methodist Church of New Castle, or Raintree Habitat for Humanity. You may share condolences and memories of Ruth Ann at www.hinsey-brown.com .
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ruth Ann Rigsbee Willis, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
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Visitation
Monday, November 27, 2023
4:00 - 8:00 pm (Eastern time)
Hinsey Brown Funeral Service
Service
Tuesday, November 28, 2023
Starts at 10:30 am (Eastern time)
Hinsey Brown Funeral Service
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