Ruth Anderson was kind and empathetic-fiercely devoted to seeing the best in everyone and everything, whether it be her family, her church community or the flower gardens that she carefully tended at her home in the countryside outside of Delphi. In recent weeks, she'd been in hospice care after her health began to fail. She died Feb. 9, 2023. She was 98.

Ruthie May Croussore was born on April 19, 1924, in Lafayette, IN. Her parents, Stephen & Elsie Thompson Croussore, raised Ruth along with her sister and two brothers. She graduated from Jefferson High School in Lafayette, IN.

She met the love of her life, Lloyd Anderson, and they were married June 30, 1946, and he preceded her in death on December 27, 2016. They were a lively pair. Lloyd was a farmer, who served as a Carroll County Commissioner. They loved to play cards with friends and travel with family. Although the casual observer might think she played the serious foil to his outgoing, jovial personality, Ruth had a delightful, witty sense of humor. Together, they raised two children, Pamela Anderson VanSickle and Lynn Anderson. Ruth served two terms as Carroll County Recorder.

Ruth loved hosting her family for the holidays and events, always in a cozy, sparkly sweater. Her grandchildren remember her house always smelled like her incredible fried chicken, gravy and noodles. She has a sweet tooth and made the worlds best fudge. At Christmas, her house was filled with warmth, and she involved everyone in hanging garlands and putting out her nativity.

She cared for all sorts of animals, from her mischievous Cockatiel, Spike, to the kittens born in the barn on her farm. She adored tending to her flowers, reading mystery novels and working crossword puzzles. In the evenings, she and Lloyd would often settle in to watch Wheel of Fortune; she always solved the puzzle first.

Even into her 80's, Ruth remained spry and young at heart, always willing and excited to play with her great grandchildren, whether it was hopping on a tire swing or getting down on the floor to work a puzzle.

Most of all, she always looked out for others and reminded them of how much they mattered in her world. She gave the tightest, warmest hugs. Each time her family would leave after a visit, Ruth would stand at the window of her farmhouse, waving until the car disappeared from view.

She is survived by her daughter, Pamela (Thomas VanSickle); son, Lynn; granddaughters, Jennifer (Vance), Catherine (Michael), Abbie (Jonathan) and Vanessa (Ali); and 11 great grandchildren. Services: Private family services will take place. Burial will be at Pleasant Run Cemetery, rural Delphi.  Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Chruch, to help with meals delivered to shut ins or the Delphi Public Library.  Abbott Funeral Home, Inc., Delphi, is assisting the family with arrangements. To view her obit or send an online condolence to the family, visit: http://www.abbottfuneralhome.com