Ruth L. Eskilson, age 83, of Valparaiso, IN, passed away on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Thomas T. Eskilson. Ruth is survived by their two daughters, Krista (Rusty) Duncan of Carmel, IN, and Jennifer (Scott) Hansen of Chesterton, IN; and by her four grandchildren, Molly (Dom Cevasco) Duncan, Macy (Alex Flohr) Duncan, Katie Hansen, and Luke Hansen. She is also survived by her siblings, Judy Flaherty and Alan Johnson. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Gale Johnson.
Ruth graduated from Evanston High School in 1960 and went on to earn her Secondary Education degree from Valparaiso University, later completing her Master’s Degree at Purdue University. She was a Home Economics teacher and tennis coach at Hanover Central High School in Cedar Lake, IN where she touched the lives of countless students before her retirement. Ruth and Tom made their home in Crown Point, Zionsville, and later Valparaiso, IN. Ruth was a member of Tri Kappa, PEO, Kiwanis in Zionsville, Phi Beta Chi, and the First United Methodist Church.
Ruth will be remembered for her deep love of family and friends. Her family cherishes her love, advice and her ability to make family get togethers so special. She always had a full calendar, especially lunch with dear friends or countless bridge games. Her many interests included photography, gardening and news about her grandchildren.
A Memorial Gathering will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. at Moeller Funeral Home, 104 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso, with a Memorial Service beginning at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her memory to Opportunity Enterprises in Valparaiso, IN or the American Diabetes Association. The family is extremely grateful to caregiver Lilly for the compassion she showed Ruth.
GUESTBOOK
In every way she led a good life. Peace and rest be with you Sis. Love and sympathy to all the family. -Alan Johnson
Our deepest condolences go out to Ruth's family. We have known her and her husband, Tom, for more than a half-century whereby we built a lasting friendship built on love and laughter. Her lavish Christmas parties in Crown Point, each Christmas, always ranked at the top of our holiday social calendar, attesting to the fact we drove two hours each way to attend. Her home economics training was always on display in the various culinary delights offered. And we'll never forget the occasional evening outings we all would venture out to seek a new and interesting place to dance--not all of which were of "grand ballroom" caliber. Ruth was always game and a willing participant for whatever activity the rest of us would dream up. Ruth was a special lady and will be sorely missed. -Dennis & Pat Cline
Our sincere condolences to Krista, Jennifer and all the family of my aunt Ruth. I will always remember your warm welcome to your home during my many visits with you all, I always felt like another sibling there. I will never forget the Christmas gifts Ruth sent us without fail, a Chicago Bears hat or shirt was something exotic in 1970s Ireland! Love, -from Fergus and Eva Flaherty
Ruth was a wonderful person and an excellent classroom teacher. Hanover Central Jr. and Sr. High School students and faculty will forever be grateful to have received her gift of love and knowledge. -Joseph Fetty
My baby sister has gone from her workful life after a great attitude to the world. She always did her best. I specially remember as times we had as children, each of us trying to be ahead of the other. As we were so close in age we were treated the same, and given the same things to do or have. Once we went to school this all changed, being in different classes. Then we each started going our own ways, with different friends and interests. We still had a lot in common but did do as much together. We still knew about each other but had less in common. When I moved anyway we did not keep close contacts, just brief notes.i am now sending my thoughts for her life and theirs and how she was an important part of our lives. To all of you I am sending my thoughts of all of positive ways she gave to our lives, which we will always remember. -Judy Flaherty
Deepest condolences to Krista , Jenny and families . Ruth was the most wonderful Aunt to have . I have many great memories of her kindness and fun times during any visits to see you all. -Kieran and Sheila Flaherty and family
So sorry to learn of Ruth's passing. Will miss her smiles and warm greetings at church. Played league golf with her for a couple years. She was the league secretary. My sympathies to her family. Hang on to those memories. Love never dies. God Bless. -Kay A. Morris
