Ruth Alderfer Cender

The service will be livestreamed.  This link will go live 5 to 10 minutes prior to the

memorial service

https://boxcast.tv/channel/n12gpk18euckrb3gcgs4

Ruth Alderfer Wismer Cender, with her loving husband, Milton at her side, passed away February 7, 2024 in Goshen, IN at the age of 95 years and 11 months. Ruth’s life began in Harleysville, PA on March 15, 1928, the firstborn child to Leroy and Alice Wismer. As a child in Souderton, PA, she became the older sister to Lois (Lowell Bishop), Mary and Paul (Sue). She had a strong faith and commitment to Christ her whole life.

Ruth attended Eastern Mennonite College and graduated from Goshen College in Goshen, IN. She began teaching in Rantoul, IL where she met her future husband, Milton Cender from Dewey, IL. They were married August 18, 1957 and made Gibson City, IL their home. Their family grew to four with the births of Karl and Greta. Ruth taught elementary students at Rantoul, Gibson City and Melvin-Sibley schools during her teaching career of more than 25 years.

Ruth used her talent as an artist to create posters and illustrations for her students and paintings for her home. She was musically inclined, singing in a traveling quartet during her teenage years, in college choirs and at East Bend Mennonite church, Fisher, IL, where she was a member. She used her teaching skills for Sunday School and Bible School instruction of many children. Ruth also participated in the Mennonite Women group at the church. Ruth enjoyed sewing, baking and hosting many people at her home for meals and conversation.

Upon retiring in 1991, Ruth applied her seamstress skills to become an accomplished quilter.  Working with others from her chuch, she created many quilts that were auctioned for charities through Mennonite Central Committee.  She made quilts, table runners and wall hangings for her home, her children and grandchildren.

Ruth relished time with family, Karl and Wilma (Ressler),Valparaiso, IN, their children, Emily (Matt Burgess), Indianapolis, IN and Eric of Valparaiso, IN and Greta and James (Poplett) of Plymouth, MN, their children, Alicia and Katrina of Minneapolis, MN.

After 51 years of living in Gibson City, Ruth moved with Milton to Goshen, IN in 2008. During her years in Goshen, she enjoyed many musical events at Goshen College. She was also an active member of College Mennonite Church and participated in numerous activities there. In her later years, Ruth suffered from Alzheimer’s and then a stroke in June of 2021, after which she was cared for by staff at Greencroft Communities nursing facility until her passing. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Mary Wismer, and her daughter-in-law, Wilma Cender.

A celebration of Ruth’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at College Mennonite Church, 1900 South Main Street, Goshen, IN.

Memorial donations can be made in Ruth’s memory to: College Mennonite Church or a charity of your choice.