Ruth Marie Wilder

Ruth Marie Wilder, 90, of Decatur, Indiana passed away Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

She was born on November 17, 1934, in Fort Wayne, Indiana to the late Howard A. and Edith Marie(Amstutz) Fillman.

Ruth was united in marriage to Edward E. Wilder on November 26, 1959 at St. Vincent Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and he preceded her in death on September 27, 1985.

She was a dedicated and faithful member of Zion Lutheran Church in Decatur which extended to her service in the Ladies Missionary Society at the church, where she served as its Treasurer for many years. Community involvement also defined Ruth as she was active in the 4-H Council, the Extension Board, the Homemakers Club, and the Friendship Village Extension. In recognition of her tireless efforts, she was honored as the 2002 4-H Grand Marshall.

Ruth was a 1953 graduate of Leo High School and attended their 71st Class Reunion. She was a homemaker and a seamstress. Prior to her marriage she was employed at Home Telephone Company/ General Telephone Company for 6 ½ years. She made dresses and many banners that hang in Zion Lutheran Church and School. She also made many quilts and covers for Lutheran World Relief.

Ruth was a dedicated and faithful supporter of her family and friends. She was a long-time fixture at Zion’s annual Soup and Sandwich event, homemade noodles and angel food cakes were her specialty.

Ruth is survived by four daughters, Roxanne (Robin) Ray of Decatur, Indiana, Rozann (Gregor) Schmidtke of Monroeville, Indiana; Ronda (Michael) Sovine of Canton, Michigan, Rolisa (Keith) Bowen of Plainfield, Indiana; nine grandchildren: Rochelle (Chad) Chilcote, Rachel (Jason) McCullough, Erika (Jason) Werling, Derek (Becky) Schmidtke, Alexis Schmidtke, James (Kimberly) Sovine, Katrina Scalf, Nicholas (Kara) Bowen and Michael Bowen; 13 great-grandchildren: Rylee Chilcote, Teagan and Ben McCullough, Lillyan and Owen Scalf, Cecilia and Evelyn Sovine, Abby, Saphira and Mason Werling, Daphnie and Bobby Jo Freeman and Wells Bowen.

She was preceded in death by Ed’s parents, Arthur and Helen Wilder.

A funeral service for Ruth will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 19, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church, Decatur with Pastor Zachary Oedewaldt officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Decatur, Indiana.

Family and friends will be received from 2-5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service on Friday at the church.

Preferred memorials are to Lutheran Hour or Zion Lutheran School.

Arrangements by Zwick and Jahn Funeral Homes of Decatur, Indiana