Feb. 28, 1919 — May 27, 2016

Ruth Amelia Bedell, 97, of Niles, died peacefully and of natural causes on May 27, 2016.

She was born Feb. 28, 1919, in New Carlisle, Indiana, to the late Benjamin and Elgie (Odykirk) Hendershott.

Ruth retired from Simplicity Pattern Co., of Niles in 1985 where she worked in the bindery department.

On Nov. 14, 1941, she married Richard “Dick” Bedell in Flint, Michigan. Dick preceded her in death in 1965. Ruth was also preceded in death by her sons; Richard “Dickie” Bedell and Dennis “Denny” Bedell, five brothers; Harold, David, Harvey, Clyde and Wayne, seven sisters; Dorothy, Edna, Hazel, Doris, Anna Mae, Dolly and Mary.

She is survived by her children; Norma Sherwood, and Kathy (Gary) Luster, both of Niles; 13 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren, brother; Ralph (Lucia) Hendershott of Niles, and sister, Shirley McKinley of Lafayette, Indiana.

Ruth was a long-time member of Mapleview Free Methodist Church in Niles where she taught Sunday School for many years. Ruth also enjoyed crocheting and Word Search puzzles.

Donations in memory of Ruth may be made to Hospice at Home at 4025 Health Park Ln, St. Joseph, MI 49085.

A Celebration of life will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 1, 2016, at Brown Funeral Home, Niles. The family will receive relatives and friends at Brown Funeral Home from 6 until 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 31, 2016. An interment will be held at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens. Following the interment, her family would like to invite everyone for a time of food and sharing of remembrances to Mapleview Free Methodist Church at 1837 Niles Buchanan Road, Niles.

Condolences may be shared with her family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com

Arrangements entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Niles.