This memorial website was created in memory of my mother, Ruth Taflinger 74 years old , born on December 15, 1944 and passed away on February 24, 2019.
Ruth was born December 15, 1944 in Williamsport, Indiana to George A. and Irma V. Wurtsbaugh Taflinger. She was born fifth of five children and was close to her brother Walter. She grew up in Williamsport and Attica, Indiana.
Ruth met Richard G. "Dick" Van Horn in Attica, Warren, Indiana and they were married on December 18,1960 in Otterbein, Benton, Indiana. She and Dick divorced on 27 September 1968 in Lafayette, Tippecanoe, Indiana. She had already met and then married Leland Stanford on October 18,1968 in Ohio. She and Lee divorced on 15 November 1989 in Lafayette, Tippecanoe, Indiana.
One hobby whether she ever claimed it to be or not would have to be cooking.Ruth would spend endless hours in the kitchen during the harvest season canning vegetables.One year there was well over a hundred quarts of just green beans put up.To this day, Monty doesn’t care for Green Beans LOL.It was during this time that Ruth would decide to just try something else in the kitchen since she was already there.Christmas candy from what many folks would consider waste.Hey, how about some red and green pears this time?She seemed to be at home concocting something up in the kitchen. If you ever had her chocolate mayonnaise cake one slice was never enough. Or beef and noodles made with home made egg noodles. Ruth also was quit a seamstress and enjoyed making things out of rags.
She worked various jobs to help support the family at times.Ruth was a meticulous housekeeper.
Ruth got her GED 16 March 1989 in Lafayette, Indiana. She was so proud to have finally done it.
Ruth worked in a couple of nursing homes in Lafayette and a sewing factory near Attica, Indiana. She also worked for Village Pantry for a time. She moved to Texas to be with her son and his wife in 1997. After moving to Texas she worked in house keeping for Chateau Ville Motor Inn, as a live in care giver and in the dietary department at Coryell Memorial Hospital. Ruth had surgery on her lungs in 2005 forcing her to be on disability. Although on disability she still lived a vibrant life with her son and family until the last couple of years. Being strong willed and stubborn helped her to be a survivor.
"Maw" as her grandsons called her, was well loved and will be missed by family, friends.She returned that love to all as well as her constant companion Hobo, her dachshund.
Ruth was known by all the staff at The Meadows Nursing Home as Taffy.All of the doctors and staff fell in love with Taffy and many would visit her on their own time. One staff member would “sneak” her a cookie almost every day and on many of those occasions visit with Monty. There is no staff member that has met Taffy that doesn’t have a fond memory of her. She will be missed by them all.
Ruth was proceeded in death by both of her parents, sisters Clara Miles, Lois Millburg, Shirley Story and brother Walter Taflinger.
Ruth is survived by her son Richard M. "Monty" Van Horn and wife Tammy of Gatesville, Texas, daughter Maretta R. "Marty" Thompson and husband Michael of New London, Texas and best friend Lynn Manuel of Gatesville, Texas. She is also survived by her grandsons Adam Van Horn and wife Jewel of Temple, Texas, Thad Van Horn of Gatesville, Texas, Matthew Van Horn of DeQueen, Arkansas, John Tetrick of Longview, Texas and Richard Reames of Smyrna, Tennessee. A granddaughter Elesha Tetrick of New London, Texas. Three great grandsons, Richard J. Van Horn of Bossier City, Louisiana, Ethan W. Van Horn of Gatesville, Texas Rylan C. Van Horn of Temple, Texas and a great granddaughter Angela Nation of Bossier City, Louisiana.
(Per mom's request there will be no viewing, memorial, graveside service or obituary published in any papers. I didn't volunteer information about online obituaries LOL. This obituary will be online forever. Feel free to post a tribute or story, post pictures etc. Thanks and God Bless)
