Mary Ruth (Gettelfinger) Ernstberger

Mary Ruth Ernstberger, 91, passed away Saturday, December 31, 2022, in her home, surrounded by family. The oldest of eight children, she was born on February 21, 1931, to Gerald and Mary Gettelfinger of Ramsey, Indiana. She met her husband of 53 years, the late Huston Ernstberger, while attending Corydon High School. Together, they raised eleven children and loved many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

As a young girl, Mary Ruth learned the value of hard work on her parents' dairy farm, waking every morning to milk the cows by lantern light. She was active in the 4H organization as a teen and carried a love of animals throughout her life. Mary Ruth valued reading and language, never hesitating to look up and to use a new word. From an early age, she wrote letters to her cousins fighting overseas during WWII. After high school, she worked as a secretary at Crayden's chicken hatchery in Ramsey.

Mary Ruth was a lifelong member of the Catholic Church, living a devout life of faith. She was a leader, both within her family and community. A strong and principled woman, she was an advocate of Catholic education, serving on numerous committees for St. Mary's Church and the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. One of her proudest accomplishments was delivering the 1988 commencement address at Providence High School, where her eleven children attended.

Most of all, Mary Ruth loved her family. That love extended to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Never waning from her open-door policy, she had a big smile, always waving goodbye to visitors as they departed down the driveway. She enjoyed many friendships, baking, and collecting Nativity sets; most notably, the illuminated manger scene she displayed in the field in front of her house at Christmastime. To many passersby, her home has become known as the Nativity House.

Mary Ruth is survived by her eleven children, Greg (Jan), Eric (Lisa), Jerry (Melinda), Hugh (Jayne), Mark (Marcia), David (Gail), Fred (Kathy), and Ted (Becky) Ernstberger, Mary (Michael) Purcell, Marcia Ernstberger, and Monica (Marty) Lewis; five siblings, Agnes Ernstberger, Bishop Gerald Gettelfinger, Jean (Joe) Batliner, Joan (Pat) Marguet, and Tony (Judy) Gettelfinger; thirty-three grandchildren; thirty-eight great-grandchildren; many brothers- and sisters-in-law; and nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Huston; her parents, Gerald and Mary; three grandchildren, Luke, Olivia, and William; two siblings, Fritz and Nettie; and several in-laws.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 6, 2023, from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions (3309 Ballard Lane, New Albany, Indiana). A Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at St. Mary Catholic Church, 415 East 8th Street, New Albany, Indiana. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery.

The family extends its appreciation to Mary Ruth's caregivers, Ann, Lena, Jan, Erika, and Dr. Phil Johnson. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Mary Catholic Church in New Albany, Providence High School, or Mt. St. Francis Center for Spirituality.

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