Submitted by: Dan Rich

Ruth E. Eshelman

April 9, 1909 - Dec. 20, 2001

South Bend Tribune 12/23/2001

SOUTH BEND , IN — Ruth E. Eshelman, 92 years old, residing at The Acres Residential Home in New Carlisle, IN, formerly residing in South Bend, passed away at 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 20, 2001, in New Carlisle. Mrs. Eshelman was born on April 9, 1909, in Kendallville, IN, to the late James Raymond and Laura (Taylor) Thrapp. She has resided in South Bend since 1958, moving form Wakarusa.

On December 9, 1934, in Covington, KY, she married Wilbur D. Eshelman, who preceded in death on August 19, 1995. One sister, Josephine Thrapp, and three brothers, James, Jack and Delos Thrapp, also preceded in death. Survivors include one daughter, Nancy and Keith Lineback; two grandchildren, Jeffrey K. and Sue Lineback of South Bend and Angela Lineback of New York City, N.Y.; two great-grandsons, Dalton (7 years old) and Austin (2 years old) Lineback.

Mrs. Eshelman retired in 1973 after 35 years as a teacher. She worked with the South Bend Community School Corporation for 15 years, LaGrange County Schools for 7 years and Madison Township for 13 years. Mrs. Eshelman was a member of the Indiana State Retired Teachers Association and Delta K appa Gamma Educational Sorority. She was a member of the Grace United Methodist Church, and a volunteer for 15 years at Memorial Hospital.

Memorial services will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 26, 2001, at the Grace United Methodist Church, South Bend, Rev. Hosea W. Drake, pastor, officiating. Graveside services and burial will be held at a later date at Southlawn Cemetery, South Bend. Friends may visit with the family after the memorial services on Wednesday at the church. Palmer Funeral Home, Lakeville, is in charge of funeral arrangements. Contributions in memory of Ruth E. Eshelman may be donated to the Alzheimer's Association, 425 N. Michigan, South Bend, IN 46601; or to Grace United Methodist Church, 3012 S. Twyckenham Drive, South Bend, IN 46614.