Ellamae Ruger

Mrs. Ellamae Ruger, 66, passed away at on Monday, October 19, 2009 at Reid Hospital.


Born March 20, 1943 in Richmond, she was the daughter of Donald and Gladys Basham Phenis. She was a homemaker and retired from Richmond Community Schools after 25 years as a bus driver. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and enjoyed reading, crocheting and gardening around her home.


Ellamae will be missed by her daughters, Raelynn Brand, Woodstock, Georgia; Connie Davis, Archer, Florida; Connie Barker, Richmond; Anita Fowler, New Castle; Diane Pierce, Hagerstown; Lori Martin, Hagerstown; Tammie Amoeda, Fort Myers, Florida; sons, Curtis Smith, St. Louis, Missouri; Terry Smith, Richmond; Shawn Smith, Richmond; Duane Smith, New Castle; Marty Ruger, Richmond; 1 sister, Lela, of New Orleans, Louisiana; 28 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.


In addition to her parents, Ellamae was preceded in death her former husband, Gary Lee Smith, Sr., in 1988; her late husband, James Michael "Mike" Ruger, to whom she was married on July 27, 1989, on May 10, 2008; daughter, Wenonah Miller, in 2002; son, Gary Lee Smith, Jr., in 2006; granddaughter, Michelle Ruger, in 2007.


A funeral ceremony will be conducted by Rev. Jerry Mielke at 1:00 P.M. on Friday, October 23 at the Smith & McQuiston Funeral Home, 321 US 27 South, Fountain City. Interment will follow in Elkhorn Cemetery.


Family and friends may gather for visitation from 5-8 P.M. on Thursday, October 22, at the funeral home.


Memorial contributions may be sent to Help the Animals, 2101 West Main Street, Richmond, Indiana 47374.