Ruth Ann Sherman, 82, of  Ontario Road, Niles, died at 8:18 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2010 at Memorial Hospital in South Bend following an extended illness.

She was born March 22, 1928 in Niles to William Arthur Sonnenieiter and Elia Mae Forbes. Ruth was a lifetime resident of Niles.

She was a member of TOPS in Niles. Crafts and cooking were two of her favorite activities. She enjoyed her 61-year marriage and spending time with her family.

She married Elmer E. Sherman on Feb. 19, 1949 in Niles. He survives.

She is also survived by her sons, Richard L. (Lois) Sherman of Niles and Edward W. (Pam) Sherman of Morristown, Tenn.; grandchildren, Richard E. (Tai) Sherman, Andrea Sherman, Sara Sherman, Lorin Welch Bradley and Lindsay Welch; great-grandchildren, Jacob, Jacquelyn, Jaylyn and Jocelyn; and a niece, Christy Pulaski of Niles.

She was preceded in death by a son, Danny Sherman, who died at birth in 1950; brothers, Arthur and William R. Sonnenieiter; and sisters, Mildred McLaughlin, Beatrice Farbee, Dorothy Winn, Carmen Hetler and Vivian L. Porsoska.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 22, 2010 at Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with the Rev. Randy Pearman of Bethel Baptist Church officiating.

Burial will be at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens in Niles.

Friends may call beginning one hour prior to services at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association.