Ruth E. Kunkel

Ruth E. Kunkel, 99, of Monroeville, Indiana passed away Tuesday evening, May 26, 2026, at Adams Heritage.

Ruth was born on January 2, 1927 in Adams County, Indiana to Fred E. and Elsie M. (Franz) Fuelling. She was united in marriage to Bob Reber on December 7, 1947 and he preceded her in death. She then married Fred D. Kunkel on December 10, 1949 in Decatur, Indiana, and he preceded her in death on May 12, 2001.

Ruth was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Decatur, where she faithfully served her Lord on the Altar Guild. She was previously involved with the Root Township Extension Homemakers. She volunteered for many years with Adams County 4-H.

She graduated from Monmouth High School in 1945 and served her family as a homemaker. She also prepared meals at Monmouth Elementary school for over 20 years.

Ruth enjoyed tending to her vegetable and flower gardens. She could always be seen helping Fred with the calves, driving tractor and bailing hay. Ruth was an avid fan of Purdue basketball and never missed a game. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by daughter, Karen M. Heckman of Decatur, Indiana; son, Fred J. (Denise) Kunkel of Decatur, Indiana; daughter, Nancy Kunkel of Sudbury, Massachusetts; daughter, Emily (Ted) Porter of Decatur, Indiana; 16 grandchildren, Missy Helmick, Matt (Gina) Melcher, Jamie Melcher, Miranda (Kasey) Adams, Andy Melcher, Mike Heckman, Laura (Chad) Kukelhan, Becci Kunkel, Margaret (Adam) Holley, Hannah Kunkel, Adam (Jen) Romanow, Bobby (Katie) Romanow, David (Marta) Romanow, Danny (Katie) Porter, Chris Porter, Josh (Alexis) Porter; 25 great-grandchildren; and nine great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Roberta R. Melcher; great-grandson, Kirk Melcher; grandson, Fred W. Kunkel; son-in-law, Vernon Heckman; two brothers, Edgar C. & Fred W. Fuelling; and two sisters, Ellen Springer-Thieme and Dorothy DeLong.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at Zion Lutheran Church in Decatur with Pastor Zachary Oedewaldt officiating. Burial will follow at Decatur Cemetery.

Family and friends will be received from 2 to 7 p.m. on Monday, June 1, 2026, at Zion Lutheran Church in Decatur and from 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesday at the church.

Preferred memorials are to Zion Lutheran Church - Decatur or Adams County 4-H.

Arrangements by Zwick and Jahn Funeral Homes of Decatur, Indiana.