- Date Of Birth: March 29, 1920
- Date Of Death: October 28, 2022
- State: Indiana
Ruth Nina Barna, 102, left this world on October 28, 2022to be greeted by the loving arms of Jesus and so many loved ones that passed before her. It is no surprise that this was a gorgeous fall day with all trees showing their magnificence that she was known to love. Born to the late Arthur W. Rose and Josie Amelia Rose (Gilson) on March 29, 1920, Ruth was the ninth child (hence her middle name) of thirteen children: Merton, Kenneth, Artie, Raymond, Josie May, Mary, Dorothy, Ardith, Melba, Lucille, Jean and Bob. Being born in 1920, Ruth lived through quite an exceptional time that took her from a world without televisions or the prevalence of cars to the age of the internet and smart phone.
Ruth and Charles (Chuck) Barna were married on October 7, 1939. They had a brief romance before he showed up at her house with a hope chest on his shoulder much to her father’s chagrin. Although he could not dance at the Palais Royale as well as she did, she married him anyway! They were blessed with three “good boys” – Charles Arthur, Robert (Bob) Raymond and Raymond Lee Barna. She was employed by South Bend Bait & Tackle and Radio Distributors. She loved working and prided herself on being one of the fastest assemblers. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, her two sons, Charles and Robert, and her granddaughter, Candance Barna. Ruth is survived by her son, Raymond, her grandchildren, Kimberly, Charles, Christina, Kelly, Robert and Cameo. Ruth will also live on through her 13 great grand children and 12 great great grand children.
Ruth was known by many names: Grams, NaNa, Bullhead and Tough Cookie to name a few. She lived an active life in every way. She was passionate about yard work and mowed her own yard until her late 80’s. Her bird feeder was always filled and she made sure the pineys and other squirrels were chased away. She enjoyed driving and once made a straight trip back from Florida when her husband was in pain from cancer. Because she knew “you can’t take it with you”, she enjoyed shopping and spending her money on both herself and those she loved. Ruth was a travel lover! Spending countless vacations in Florida, she also ventured farther to Hawaii, Branson, New Orleans, New York, Graceland and Colorado. Along with traveling, Ruth was fond of attending concerts. She started off at Buck Lake Ranch in Angola. Over the years she saw Elvis, Alan Jackson, Kenny Rogers, Brooks & Dunn, Neil Diamond and Keith Urban.
Ruth also loved to cook and she was a master. Her family will never forget and will continue to emulate her famous blueberry cheesecake, fried chicken, potato and macaroni salad, goulash, chicken paprikash with nokedli, garbage, apple pie, graham cracker pie, dressing and creamed cucumbers. Her family will continue her memory by passing down her special sayings and words. Examples being, mark my word, bum around, fist city, come again?, knee high by july, pistol, pertnear, extry, crick, curbin’, tinkle, warsh, linco, fanny, piddle, love you to god and back and her legendary I love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck. We certainly loved her a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck and much more!
