Ethel Ruth Mackey  

Ethel Ruth Mackey November 9, 1925 - March 9, 2017

CULVER - Ethel Ruth Mackey (Mattox), 91, a lifelong resident of Culver, passed away peacefully March 9, 2017 at Life Care Center of Rochester, surrounded by her family.

She was born in Culver to Conrad Charles and Ethel May Mattox on November 9, 1925.

Ruth married her husband Ronald Mackey, also of Culver, in 1945, after a long courtship during which Ronald was a Prisoner of War in Nazi Germany for 14 months. During his imprisonment, Ruth and Ron were able to exchange letters and photos, many of which are now in the possession of her family. These mementos document their love and affection for one another. Together they enjoyed 55 years of marriage before he preceded her in death in 2000.

Ruth was also preceded in death by her only daughter, Carol Lyn Ewing (Mackey), who passed in 2001.

Ruth loved cooking, baking, sewing, caring for her family, making teddy bears, cats, bird atching, a glass of wine in the evening, and enjoying time outside sitting in the sunshine.

She was a familiar face in Culver, having worked at The Culver Citizen, the Academy bookstore, Culver Inn and the old Snyder Cafe before becoming a local merchant downtown alongside her husband with whom she shared a love of antiques. Together they owned The Collectors and The Bear End, a popular teddy bear shop.

She will be fondly remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, and a remarkable woman.

She is survived by her three sons, Richard Wayne Mackey (Rocio), of Melbourne, Florida, Dennis Dwight Mackey (Stephanie), of Zionsville, and Donald Dean Mackey (Lori Ehler) of Rochester. She will be greatly missed by her six grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, all of whom she adored.

Her family will come together in a celebration of her life in a private gathering.

Her family is in deep appreciation for the loving care both she and they received from the staff of Life Care Center of Rochester.

Memories and condolences may sent to Mackey Family 110 S Main,Culver,In 46511 and will be shared with the family. - Citizen & Pilot News on Mar. 17, 2017