Ruth M. Niekamp, 84, New Bremen, died at 5:26 p.m. Dec. 20, 2013, at Elmwood Assisted Living of New Bremen.

She was born Aug. 4, 1929, in Carthagena, to William and Philomena (Clune) Gerlach. On July 27, 1949, she married Paul J. Niekamp, who survives in New Bremen.

Other survivors include her children, Diane (David) Wagner, Celina; Marilyn (Jerry) Nerderman, Linda (Alan) Kelley, Tim (Jeanne) Niekamp and Randy (Jenny) Niekamp, all of New Bremen; a daughter-in-law, Kathy Niekamp, Huber Heights; 14 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; a sister, Dorothy Niekamp, Montezuma; and a brother, Bob Gerlach, Coldwater.

Preceding her in death were a son, Roger Niekamp, and her siblings, Pauline Klosterman, Harold E. Gerlach, Clarence Gerlach, Victor Gerlach, James Gerlach and Harold Gerlach.

She was a member of the Church of the Holy Redeemer in New Bremen, where she was active with the funeral lunch committee and the former St. Ann Altar Sodality. She was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9019 Auxiliary of Chickasaw and the American Legion Post 241 Auxiliary of New Bremen. For many years she helped raise funds by selling poppies and assisted with the American Red Cross Blood Drives at the American Legion Post. She belonged to several card clubs over the years and enjoyed working crossword puzzles and making sure there were always "sweets" around the kitchen for the entire family. She was a member of the former Myron Pearce All Girls Orchestra and loved big band music. Christmas was her favorite time of year and she enjoyed 64 consecutive Christmas Eve gatherings on the farm with the entire family.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held Dec. 23, 2013, at at the Church of the Holy Redeemer in New Bremen, the Rev. Thomas Mannebach officiated. Burial followed in German Protestant Cemetery, New Bremen.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the State of the Heart Hospice.

Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home of New Bremen handled the arrangements.

Condolences to the Niekamp family can be left at gilberghartwigfh.com.