Here was a woman who lived a rich and full life. We, her children and
family, were lucky participates in that life. Ruth died at home in her sleep
with her family beside her on March 13, 2024. She had just turned 100
years old.
Ruth was born March 2, 1924 in Seelyville, IN, to Olin and Leota Moore.
She is survived by her children: Georgia (Alan) Rothman, Ft. Wayne, IN,
James (Caryn) Clampitt, Terre Haute, IN, John Clampitt, Speedway, IN,
Connie (Phil) Coir, Speedway, IN, Terri Dowell, Terre Haute, IN, Kirk (Stacey)
Donovan, Evansville, IN, 20 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 33 years, Charles Donovan, in
1989; Martha Clampitt, daughter; Cyndi Clampitt, daughter-in-law; James
D. Dowell, son-in-law: Donovan Harold Roden-Dowell, great-grandson; her
parents, three sisters and four brothers.
Ruth retired from Verizon (GTE) after 32 years of service in 1990. She
enjoyed her retirement to the fullest. She traveled and was an active
member of the YMCA. She always started her day swimming at the Y. She
developed a love of sewing and kept occupied with making quilts that she
would give away to family, friends and organizations in need. When
swimming was no longer an option for her, she took to walking (with her 4-
wheeler walker) at the Meadows. She went every day (weather permitting)
and drove herself there for as long as she could. You might have seen her
there walking alone or with a family member or friend wearing her black
lace fedora. She always enjoyed saying hello to so many people who were
kind enough to say it back. She continued to be an avid reader, worked
puzzles and became a fan of coloring-by-number using pencils.
When asked what she thought contributed to her longevity, she would
always say "staying busy". She also said "my diet coke and candy bar in the
evening helped too".
There will be no funeral but we plan to put her ashes next to our fathers at
a later date. If anyone is so inclined, donations can be made to the Terre.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ruth O Donovan, please visit our floral store.