Ruthy S Clyngenpeel

Ruthy Mae Shoulders Clyngenpeel, age 86, of Indianapolis, passed away while in hospice care on October 2, 2023, after suffering from complications of Alzheimer’s disease. Ruthy was born in Boxville, Kentucky, on August 18, 1937, the daughter of the late Stanley and Naomi (Liggett) Shoulders. She had five sisters and one brother – Mary Jeanette Shoulders (deceased), Gwendolyn Clearwater, Joretta Clark (deceased), Carolyn Barney (deceased), Linda McClure, and Tommy Shoulders (Beverly).

On January 2, 1954, Ruthy married the love of her life Donald C. “Donnie” Clyngenpeel (deceased) at the Mars Hill Christian Church in Indianapolis. Together they welcomed three beloved daughters, Donetta “Netta” Mullin (deceased), Stancy Heddens (Kimber), and Lyna Gunderson (Marc). Four grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, and even great-great grandchildren followed.

Ruthy worked for several years at Western Electric. She would share work breaks with her brother Tommy and her brother-in-law Raymond Clyngenpeel. She also worked for Old Oakland Golf Course. Ruthy volunteered at Community Nursing and Rehab where she also served as a patient advocate. She brought light into the lives of the residents. Her kind and compassionate nature made her perfect for this work.

Ruthy was a member of Agape Christian Church where Don was an Elder. She designed all the floral arrangements for the church, as well as for weddings and other events outside of church. Her creativity went far beyond flowers; she painted, sketched, crocheted, and sewed. Her gifted talents and her compassionate heart will be greatly missed.

Family will gather for public visitation on Saturday, October 14, from 11 am – 1 pm at Flanner Buchanan – Washington Park East (10722 East Washington Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46229). Funeral services will follow at 1 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made in Ruthy’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association in the hope for a cure to such a devastating disease.