Ruth Young Brogneaux

Ruth Louise Young Brogneaux died on Friday November 18, 2011at the Meadowood Health Pavilion in Bloomington. She was preceded in death by her parents, Merrie Maude Cowles Young and Charles Franklin Young, and her siblings Nellie Mae. James Franklin, and Samuel Maurice, as well as her beloved husband. John Pierre Brogneaux. Ruth is survived by daughters Patricia Jeanne Brogneaux Brennan (CDR Michael John) of Annandale. Virginia, and Diana Lynn Brogneaux Yoder (Frank Wallace Yoder, M.D.) of Dublin, Ohio. She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Kathleen Brennan Chappell (Steve), Sheila Brennan Wetherell (Ed), Mary-Clare Brennan Veteto (Jonathan), Michael P. Brennan (Amy), Megan B. Brennan. John W. Yoder (Jenny), and Benjamin Y. Yoder (Lori). In addition are great-grandchildren: Merrie and Emily Chappell, Thomas and Elizabeth Wetherell, Rowan Mary Veteto. Luke and Jillian Brennan, Matthew and Stephen Yoder, and Ava Grace, Jaiden Ann and the upcoming January birth of Samantha Ruth. Ruth graduated from Mount Auburn High School in Shelby County, Indiana. and received a B.A. with distinction in her triple majors of English, music and physical education from Ball State Teachers' College in Muncie, Indiana. She was also a member and president of Psi Theta social sorority. Following 12 years of piano lessons. and prior to attending Ball State, she was an invited guest to perform classical piano selections on an Indianapolis radio station. While at Ball State. she held numerous jobs to earn her tuition, her favorite being the alto member of a musical trio that collaborated with a local dance band. It was there, also. that she met her future husband, John. Following their marriage on June 3. 1936, Ruth taught physical education and health for three years at Shelbyville High School. In addition, she directed the junior and senior choirs, taking the junior high school choir to a first-place win in Indiana state competition. After settling into the Bloomington community, Ruth became a charter member of the Bloomington Hospital Auxiliary, the Local Council of Women, eventually becoming its president, and a member of the Bloomington Hospital Board, holding various offices and becoming its president. She was a member of the Circle of Friends, comprised of former presidents of the Bloomington Hospital Board, and she volunteered for 28 years for the Bloomington Hospital. In addition, she became extremely involved as a member of the First Christian Church of Bloomington and was one of the first two female elders of the church. She was also joined by women of two other local churches in establishing the Opportunity House of Bloomington. As well, Ruth was active in the University Women's Club of Indiana University, and the Daughters of the American Revolution. In her spare time. she was a substitute teacher of English at Bloomington South High School for 10 years, and worked for the Indiana University School of Education editing the presented Master's Degree theses. She enjoyed her pastimes of reading. playing the piano, listening to classical music and was an avid golfer at the Bloomington Country Club, where she won a number of tournaments. In addition, she enjoyed bowling, playing bridge and poker and she took great pleasure in the offerings of Indiana University, from sports to theater. Her greatest joy, however, was traveling the world with John and their many friends. Ruth cherished her family and her multitude of friends, both in Bloomington and Naples, Florida, where she and John "wintered" for 28 years. Ruth's family extends their deepest thanks to her physician, Thomas Sharp, M.D, the nursing staff of the Bloomington Hospital, and, especially, the skilled and incredibly caring nursing staff of the Meadowood Health Pavilion. In lieu of flowers. contributions may be made in her name to the Bloomington Hospital, the First Christian Church of Bloomington. Indiana, the Indiana University Foundation, Jill's House. or the charity of your choice. A Celebration of Life will be held for Ruth at the First Christian Church 205 East Kirkwood Avenue in Bloomington on Tuesday November 22, 2011 at 11:00AM Allen Funeral Home is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be sent to the family at www.allenfuneralhome.org.

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Ruth Young Brogneaux

November 18, 2011