South Bend – Ruth Ellen Erhardt, 72, passed away peacefully with her loving family beside her on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at The Center for Hospice in Mishawaka following a brief illness. 

Ruth was born on March 9, 1954, in South Bend to the late Richard C. and June (Bottorff) Erhardt Sr. She was also preceded in death by her sisters, Marie Holmes, Pamela Erhardt, and Cynthia Jones. 

Ruth leaves behind a loving family who will cherish her memory, including her children, John Erhardt, Debra Erhardt, Dionysia Davis, and William Hughes Jr.; her grandchildren, Justin Erhardt, William Hughes III, and Ariella Hughes; and her siblings, Carole Sandner, Roger (Carol) Erhardt, Deborah (Ron) Hickey, George (Tammy) Erhardt, Sandra Erhardt, Tina (Mike) Lane, Rosemarie Haage, and Richard Erhardt. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and associates. 

Throughout her working years, Ruth was employed by several hotels and most recently worked at Barnaby’s Pizza. Outside of work, she found joy in the simple pleasures of life, including spending time with her beloved cats, reading, and working on puzzles. She had a special love for animals and treasured the comfort and companionship they brought to her life. Ruth will be remembered fondly as a loving mother, grandmother, and sister whose memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. 

A graveside memorial service will be held on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in the Garden of Everlasting Life, where Ruth will be laid to rest. 

Chapel Hill Funeral Home in Osceola, Indiana, has been entrusted with the arrangements.