Mary "Buff" Fruth, 79, of LaPorte, Indiana, passed away at 5:15 a.m. on Friday, November 24, 2006 at Fountainview Terrace Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.
A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 26, at the LaPorte Presbyterian Church with Rev. Steve Laue and Rev. Jessica Brust officiating. Visitation with the family will be on Sunday from 2:00 p.m. until the time of the service. Internment will be in the Presbyterian Church Columbarium.
Buff was born June 9, 1927, in Fort Wayne, Indiana to Gail A. & Helen B. (Johnson) Baughman. On June 21, 1947, in Fort Wayne, she married Robert William Fruth, who preceded her in death October 11, 2000.
Survivors include daughters Jane (Dave) Bell of Cullpeper, VA and Kathy (Mike) Menkes of Gaylord, MI; son Greg (Maria) Fruth of LaPorte; grandchildren Alex, Eric, & Kevin Fruth, Travis Roahrig, Josh (Karen), Kate & Guy Menkes; and great-grandchildren Jade & Lydia Menkes.
Buff had taught school in Westville, LaCrosse and Wanatah schools.
She was a graduate of South Side High School in Fort Waye and attended Franklin College. She was a member of the LaPorte Presbyterian Church where she was very active, including teaching Sunday School. She was a volunteer at LaPorte Hospital and a member of its auxiliary and foundation. She was a member of the LaPorte Co. Library Literacy Program, the LaPorte Co. Retired Teachers Association and Kappa Kappa Kappa.