She was born on March 11, 1934, at home in Smithland, Shelby County, Indiana. Ruth was the youngest daughter of Frank and Mildred (Stroup) Snyder. She grew up working in her family’s greenhouse, learning the values of hard work and dedication at an early age.
On May 28, 1968, she married the love of her life, Donald “Fritz” Vanderpohl. Their marriage was built on faith, devotion, and unwavering love.
Ruth later retired from General Electric in 1972. She was the co-owner of the Koffee Kup for several years, where she was well known for her homemade cinnamon rolls. A devoted wife, Ruth faithfully handled all the secretarial duties for her husband, Fritz’s business.
Ruth was a member of the former Free Methodist Church and the former Faith Baptist Church, where she spent many years teaching Sunday School. Her greatest gift was her ability to lead others to a personal relationship with the Lord, through her steadfast faith. She is currently a member of Sandcreek Baptist Church.
Family was at the center of Ruth’s life. She loved talking about them and proudly attended sporting events for her two granddaughters and her five great-grandchildren. She often reminded everyone that she met how richly God had blessed her with family and in-laws.
Ruth loved unconditionally and was always ready to listen to the concerns of others, faithfully lifting each one up to God in prayer. She was a devoted follower of Christ, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose legacy of faith, love, and service will live on in all who knew her.
Survivors include: daughter, Debra (Joe) Roark; granddaughters, Kelly (Jim) Wampler and Leslie (Nick) Thackery; great-grandchildren, Ali Jameson (Cory Adams), Cohen Thackery (Aliza Skinner), Carmen Thackery, Corbin Thackery, Brenley Jameson; sisters-in-law, Dorothy (Charles) Land and Elizabeth Schroeder; several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donald Vanderpohl; son, Ricky Pate; sisters, Anna Gronewald and Mary Nolley; nephews, Gary "Butch" Gronewald and Mike Nolley.
A celebration of Ruth’s life will be held at the Gilliland-Howe Funeral Home on Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 4:00 pm. Pastor Brad Douglas will be officiating. A reception styled visitation will follow from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm. Burial will be at the Forest Hill Cemetery, Shelbyville, Indiana. Memorial contributions can be made to New Directions or to the Decatur County Animal Shelter. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.gilliland-howe.com
