Ruth Ann Deal, 94 of Lowell, formerly of Hobart, passed away Tuesday, June 28, 2022. She was born May 10, 1928 in Gary, IN to the late Lloyd and Guela (Hutchens) Waitt. Ruth graduated with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Education from Indiana University. She made her career as a Health Teacher with Hobart Schools for 26 years, where she was earned the Hobart Outstanding Teacher Award. Ruth was a current member of the First United Methodist Church in Valparaiso, and a former member of Hobart Presbyterian Church, where she had served as the Director of Music, Hand Bell Choir Director, Youth Choir Director, and Organist. Ruth was also a member of the Valparaiso University Community Choral Society for 20 years, as well as a producer and director of secular musicales, and a soloist and accompanist on the piano, organ, and clarinet.
Ruth was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Richard L. Deal in 2009; her brother, George Waitt; and her sister, Priscilla Anderson. She is survived by her sons: Jim (Marty) Deal of Lowell and David (Marion) Deal of Defiance, OH; grandchildren: Kevin (Karen) Deal, John Deal, Katherine (Paul) Nelson; great grandchildren: Myles, Conor, Jocelynne, and Brooklyn.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 6, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Moeller Funeral Home, 104 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso, with a funeral service beginning at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Valparaiso, 103 Franklin St., Valparaiso, IN 46383.
GUESTBOOK
Hello Jim and David, I happened to see this obituary for your Mom and wanted to pass along condolences from the Alonso family. I had been in touch with Ruth Ann last year shortly after our Mom, Mary, passed away and we exchanged a couple of letters. I have very fond memories of your Mom (and Dad) growing up going over to their house for dinner, watching our parents sing together in the choir at Hobart Presbyterian Church and also as my Health and Science teacher. She was such a kind hearted woman with a deep Christian faith. -Toni Alonso Street
