Submitted by: Dan Rich

Ruth M. Milliken

Nov. 17, 1902 - Dec. 11, 2000

South Bend Tribune 12/14/2000

Ruth M. Milliken, 98, of New Carlisle, Ind., passed away at 8:40 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 11, in Hamilton Grove, New Carlisle. She was born on Nov. 17, 1902, in Ada, Ohio, to the late John Whetsler and Eliza (Collier).

On Dec. 5, 1923, in South Bend, Ind., she married Edward Miles Milliken, who died in 1979. She was also preceded in death by an infant brother, and sons, Malcolm "Bud" Milliken and Richard Lee Milliken; three grandchildren and one great-grandchild; and by two sisters, Ida Camp and Goldie Smith. She is survived by her daughters, Jacqueline (Robert) Veith of South Bend, Joan Thornburg of New Carlisle and Elizabeth (Robert) Bonebrake of South Bend; her grandchildren, Molly Jo Chaucer, Bruce Miller, Jill Ainsworth, Lori Lechlitner, Jackie Digildo, Brad Milliken, John Milliken, Julie Robison, Janet Simmons, Cindy Schuler, Gene Bates, Carmen Olds, Kimberly Lavine, Ruth Ann Korn, Bob Bonebrake, Mike Bonebrake, Steve Bonebrake and Lisa Dally; and by 43 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Milliken was the former owner of M&F Restaurant, and Ruth and Eunice's Noodle Shop in South Bend. She also worked at the South Bend Country Club and at the Franklin Club. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star Chapter, the World War II Mothers, and she belonged to the Lydick United Methodist Church.

Funeral services will be held in the church at 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 15, with Pastor Kevin Buckley officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. Friends are invited to call from 3 to 7 p.m. today, Dec. 14, in the WELSHEIMER FUNERAL HOME, 521 N. William Street, South Bend. Memorial contributions may be made to the Residence Benevolent Fund at Hamilton Grove or to the New Carlisle Volunteer Fire Department EMS.