Ruth Ellen Kahler Ferris Joy, 71, of Poland passed away Sept. 21, 2006, at 11:57 p.m. at her residence following an extended illness. She was born June 15, 1935, to Forrest and Fern Clark Kahler. Ruth graduated from Nappanee High School and attended Purdue University. She was active in the United Methodist Church in West Terre Haute Ind., was a past matron of the Order of Eastern Star in Bremen, Ind., twice belonged to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, she was a member of Grange, and the American Legion. She was employed by the Nappanee Telephone Company. She was a manager at Occidental Chemical Company, a clerk and computer operator at C.B.S., manager at Blue Bonnet Restaurant, and owner of the Rusty Nail Restaurant in Brazil. Ruth enjoyed cooking, shopping, watching Pacers games, visiting Turkey Run State Park, attending festivals, traveling to Mackinac Island, and her spending time with her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, David L. Ferris, who died in December of 1998, and husband, Lloyd Joy, in December of 2002, also a brother, Douglas Kahler.

Survivors include daughters, Cynthia McKenzie and husband, Steve, of Plymouth Ind., Lisa Richards of Bremen, Ind., Veronica Myers of Brazil and a son, Thomas G. Graverson, of Brazil; a brother, Allen Wagley, and wife, Diane, of Warsaw Ind., a sister-in-law, Irene Kahler, of Warsaw, Ind., grandchildren, Brandi Oldham and husband, Chris, of Poland,Ind., Rita Cox of Bremen, Ind., Heidi Cox -- Motti and husband Daniel, of Boston, Mass., Kevin Cox of Bremen,Ind., Tim McKenzie and wife, Cori, of Fort Wayne, Ind., Brad McKenzie of Grand Haven, Mich., Shannessy Graverson of Indianapolis, Chase Graverson of Brazil, Sage Graverson of Brazil, Tylee Graverson of Brazil, Tyden Graverson of Brazil, and Cody Myers of Brazil, four great-grandchildren, Maverick Runyan, Leah Runyan, Cole Graverson, Karma Kenny; as well as two close friends of the family Tom Cullen and Brad Oldham as well as many nieces and nephews and a large extended family.

Services for Mrs. Joy will be at French Funeral Home, Monday, Sept. 25, 2006, at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Carl Davis officiating. Burial will follow at Calcutta Cemetery. Visitation will be at the funeral home Monday from 11 a.m. until time of services. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or VistaCare Hospice; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Visit www.frenchfuneralhome.com to light a candle in her memory.