Ruth Ellen (Stiening) Potter

Ruth Ellen Potter (Stiening), 90, of Madison, Indiana, a beacon of warmth and wisdom, the matriarch of her family, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on March 6, 2024.

Born August 28, 1933, to the late James and Mary (Hilbert) Stiening. Ruth grew up in North Vernon, IN with her siblings Clarence Stiening, Myrtle Hendricks, Bertie Griner, Curtis Stiening, Robert Stiening, William Stiening, and Royce Stiening, a town that would remain close to her heart throughout her life. She graduated from New Castle High School in 1951.

In 1951 she married Stanley E. Bock and had 4 children Kenneth, Rita, Delvin, and Brian. On March 3, 1967, she was united in marriage to Ronald M. Potter in Indianapolis, IN and they shared 38 years together until his passing in 2005. Ruth and Ronald spent many years between Indianapolis and Madison until 1995 when they made Madison their permanent home.

Ruth worked as the Health, Welfare and Pension Administrator for the Sheet Metal Local #20 of Indianapolis for 32 years until she retired. After a short retirement and her love for people she went back to work at Kroger for 14 years. Ruth was a longtime member of First Lutheran Church in Indianapolis, IN where she served as the secretary for many years. There she spent countless hours volunteering her time at church. In February 2006 she joined Faith Lutheran Church in Madison, IN where she continued to follow Christ.

Ruth was a master at making pies. She enjoyed spending time in the kitchen cooking and baking. She also enjoyed fishing, gardening, crocheting, traveling, and spending time with her siblings playing Euchre. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family. Ruth was a longtime volunteer and advocate for the Damien Center in Indianapolis as well as a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Madison.

Ruth's legacy of love, perseverance, commitment, loyalty, and selflessness will be cherished and remembered by her family and friends. She is survived by her brother; Royce Stiening (Analise) children; Kenneth Bock, Rita Netherton and Delvin Bock (Ginger); grandchildren; Adam Yount (Jill), Aquila Bock (Abby), Stephanie Raper (Adam), Bethany Bock, Asher Bock (Kristina), Stacy Carroll (Michael), Amzi Bock (Jessica), Corinnah Bock, Dulcie Gangler (Anthony), Austin Netherton (Jenna), Esther Bock (Bethany), Avery Bock (Averie), Flora Bock (Collin). Great Grandchildren; Caleb, Jackson, Hayden, Ethan, Abel, Lilly, Emmett, Silas, Uriah, Rainn, Ivy, Reuben, Prue, Avett, Judah, Teddy, Ellis, Judson, and Kaitlynn. She rejoins her late husband, Ronald Potter, Son Brian E. Bock, and many siblings in eternal peace.

We will gather to honor Ruth's remarkable journey at 12:00 PM Saturday, March 23, 2024, at Lytle Welty Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Vail Chapel, on Madison's hilltop with interment to follow in Springdale Cemetery in Madison.

Friends and family may call at the Lytle Welty Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Vail Chapel from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Friday, March 22, 2024, and from 11:00 AM until the time of the service on Saturday.

The family requests memorial contributions be made to Faith Lutheran Church. Contributions may be made at the Lytle Welty Funeral Home or below.

Ruth's final wish was for everyone to love one another and to love God, because you can't make it without him.

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