Ruth Elizabeth Williams

Ruth Elizabeth (Cody) Williams was a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She shared her heart in service to her family, friends, church, and community. She left this world on Tuesday, June 18th, 2024 at age 79. 

She was born to Neoral and Jack S. Cody in November, 1944 in Indianapolis, Indiana. She graduated from Broad Ripple High School, where she met the love of her life, Steve Williams. The two were married for 58 years and had three children: Robin (Dan) Patras, Robert (Julie) Williams, and Roger (Ruth Z., ex-Renee) Williams, ten grandchildren: Danielle (Carl), Kristin (Dennis), Aimee (Sam), Nicholas; Jennifer (Dean), Mallory (Neil), Dylan; Jamie, Emilie (Zack), and Noah (Michaela); and nine great-grandchildren: Lucy, Madeline; Olivia; Kate, Gwen, Ella; Brooke, Mac; and Daphne. She is predeceased by her parents, her husband Steve Williams, and her brother Jack T. Cody.

Ruth had a wonderful talent for making the world around her more beautiful. Her home was always ready for guests, and Ruth enjoyed hosting parties. From birthdays to holidays, to her annual Christmas Eve dinner, Ruth crafted celebrations full of joy and love.

For over 30 years, Ruth served her community as a member of the Riley Cheer Guild. Her contributions include establishing gift shops at IU Methodist and IU North hospitals, which provide additional revenue for patient programming across the state, and securing a significant grant for the Toy Room. Through her church chapter, “Touches of Love” the Grandmother’s Group at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Ruth and her fellow grandmothers donated hundreds of hours of time and talent by creating hand-tied coloring books for patients and their siblings at the emergency department at Riley.

Ruth served two terms as President of the Riley Cheer Guild board and also served as the Hospitality Chair, planning the annual member luncheon. She was incredibly talented at event planning and was known for her themes and beautiful centerpieces. Some of her creations are still on display at the Guild offices. Throughout her time with the Guild, Ruth was honored with the Heartstrings Award and the Mrs. Andrew J. Porter Award. In 2018, she was made an honorary lifetime member of the Riley Cheer Guild due to her overwhelming commitment to the Guild.

Ruth’s family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Care Patrol, Prairie Lakes Health Campus, Traditions at Brookside, Elevate Hospice, and her team of medical staff and caregivers at IU Health for their care and compassion.

Ruth will be remembered in a Service of Thanksgiving for her life on Tuesday, June 25th at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Visitation is at 10 a.m. with the service to follow at 11 a.m.. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Riley Cheer Guild, 705 Riley Hospital Drive, Room 4510, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, and online at https://rileycheerguild.org/how-to-help.