Ruth Ilene Hurst

Ruth Ilene Flowers Hurst is now in the arms of her Lord Jesus Christ, as she passed away on Monday, January 20, 2025. Ruth was born in Muncie, Indiana on a cold December day in 1931. She was at home, and it was late at night on the 21st of December when the doctor arrived. He left on the 22nd. Ruth had always celebrated her birthday on the 22nd until she was 19 years of age. When she was preparing to go to college, she had to have her birth certificate and that is when she found out that she was born on the 21st. However, the family always celebrated her birthday on the 22nd.

Ruth was the oldest daughter of Reverend Lindsay Floyd Flowers and Reverend Lovie Mae Flowers. Ruth moved to California where her parents were enrolled at the Life Bible College. While in California she attended John Marshall High School in Hollywood. Ruth wanted to return to Muncie to graduate with her friends. While attending Muncie Central she lived with her mother’s sister Grace and her family. She graduated with honors from Muncie Central in 1949. She then moved to New Castle with her parents and her sister, Bobbie. Ruth worked several jobs in New Castle but a brief time later, she felt called by God to go to Life Bible College in Los Angeles, where she graduated with honors. Ruth became an ordained minister with the Foursquare Gospel Church. While at the Bible College she did mission works on the streets in downtown Los Angeles, and she worked in different Foursquare churches in the area. In 2013 she was one of several individuals recognized for serving 60 years or more in active Foursquare ministry at the International Convention in Lake Beuna Vista, Florida.

After graduation from Bible College, Ruth returned to New Castle where she was an active volunteer at Foursquare Church where her parents were pastors. At that time, the church was small, and she both served as music director and worked in the office. Ruth decided later to attend Ball State Teachers College in Muncie where she again graduated with honors with an Endorsement in Music. After her graduation, she started working at St. Anne’s Catholic School and oversaw the Music Department, where she taught organ and piano lessons. She also taught organ and piano lessons out of her home for over forty students.

In 1982 she became the General Manager of the Department of Public Transportation for the City of New Castle. In that position she wrote operational grants for the City of New Castle Transportation Department. She held this position for eleven years.

Ruth's memberships and professional organizations include: Life Bible College Alumni Association, Salvation Army, and Board of Directors for the following: Henry County Council on Aging, Area 6 Community and Senior Services, Inc., Transportation Committee for City, State and National services, Personnel Committee, Guardianship Committee, JOBS-IMPACT, Advisory Committee, Supportive Services Committee, United Way of Henry County and Business and Professional Women.

 Ruth is survived by her two sons, Blaine (Becky) Hurst, Fernandina Beach, FL, and Blake Hurst of New Castle; one grandson, David Hurst of Fernandina Beach, FL; sister, Bobbie Jackson of Indianapolis, IN; nephew, Bryan Carter of Indianapolis; niece, Jennifer (Matthew) Springer of Gainesville, GA; three great nephews, (Lindsay) Bryan Carter, Austin Carter, and Calvin Springer. Her late husband, General B. Hurst’s side of the family, including many cousins, were a very special part of her life.

She appreciated everything people did for her. There are too many to list. Jerri Brown, (who had babysat for Blaine and Blake), was incredibly special to her. Jerri and her husband Steve stayed beside Ruth and provided ongoing care for her and Blake for so many years.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Reverend Lindsay Flowers and Reverend Lovie Mae Flowers, infant brother, Floyd F. Flowers who died at birth and General B. Hurst, father of her children, Blaine, and Blake.

Visitation will be from 12:00-2:00 p.m. and 4:00-8:00 p.m., Friday, January 24, 2025, at Foursquare Gospel Church in New Castle. Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 25, 2025, at the church with Pastor Jim Becker officiating. Burial will follow in South Mound Cemetery. Arrangements are in the care of Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle. Ruth requested that memorial contributions be given to Foursquare Gospel Church, 3200 S. 14th St., New Castle, IN, 47362. Condolences and memories of Ruth may be shared at www.hinsey-brown.com.