Brenda Sue Ruthruff

August 26, 1951 – December 09, 2023

Brenda Ruthruff 72, of Mishawaka Indiana, passed away on December, 09, 2023.  A loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She is survived by her devoted husband Harlan and sister Patricia Newgent, Sons Travis (Lori) Ruthruff of Mishawaka, Indiana and Troy (Eliza) Ruthruff of Land O Lakes, Florida, and a daughter Tracy (Rick) Jackowich of Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Brenda was also blessed many grandchildren: Shad Ruthruff, Stephanie Ruthruff, Andrea Hollywood, Alyssa Ruthruff, Trey Ruthruff, Dylan Jackowich, Drake Jackowich, Jaide Willette, Rand Willette, and Paige Willette.  She was specially blessed with great grandchildren: Aurora Tenorio and Marleigh Jackowich.  She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews on both sides of the family.

She was preceded in death by her parents Robert Smith and Beverly (Closson) Smith and brother in law Joe Newgent.

Brenda had a bubbly and infectious personality with a heart of gold and a smile that lit up a room.  She would make immediate friendships with people during their first conversation and she loved to talk.  She worked for Toys "R" Us in Mishawaka in the 1980's and stayed there for 30 years.  She was one a few employees that opened the doors of the store and was one of the few who helped close doors of the store for the final time in 2018.  Everyone who worked there sweetly knew her as "Momma."  In return they were "her kids" as she would say and she loved them all dearly.  Brenda was driven by her love for her family.  She was married to her loving and devoted husband of 53 years, on January 24, 1970. Nothing meant more to her than her kids and grandkids. The world revolved around them all. Her second love was Notre Dame, which she referred to as "heaven."  Every time she would attend a football game or women's basketball game, she would refer to the teams as "her boys and her girls."

Visitation for family and friends will take place on Tuesday December 19, 2023 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Chapel Hill Funeral Home to celebrate her wonderful life. Services and burial will be scheduled at a later date.