Ruth Eileen Meaders Kelly, 87, died Sunday, May 11, 2008 in Largo, Florida. Ruth was born February 18, 1921 in Phillips, Nebraska. She went to Midland College in Fremont, Nebraska. After graduation, she taught in a “one room” school for two years before joining the Women’s Army Corps WACs during World War II. During 1942 and 1943, Ruth was a chemical warfare officer. In 1943, she married Edward Kelly and they had four children. They eventually moved to South Bend, Indiana where Ruth began working for the Notre Dame Credit Union. Ruth worked at the credit union for twenty-five years, eventually becoming its President until her retirement in 1989. She was preceded in death by her husband Edward, who passed away in August 2002. She is survived by her four children: Edward Kelly, of Joplin, Missouri; Pat Kelly, of Indian Rocks Beach, Florida; Brigitte Eileen Kelly, of Austin, Texas; and Kathleen Jorgensen, of Chatham, Illinois. She also had ten grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. A graveside memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 14th, 2008 at Cedar Grove Cemetery on the Notre Dame campus.
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On behalf of the Board of Directors, Employees and 62,000 members of the Notre Dame Federal Credit Union, we extend our deepest sympathy to Edward, Pat, Bridget and Kathleen on the recent loss of their Mother Ruth Kelly. Ruth was our first President CEO of our Credit Union and although she may be gone from this earth, her legecy of the credit union that was “little green shack” on Bulla Road, which is now 12th largest in the State of Indiana, still remains strong today. May God Bless her and her family.
Good bye to a dear credit union friend,you will always be in our prayers Bob and Billie Marking
Although I didn’t know Ruth very well, she was a key to my involvement with the Indiana Credit Union League. I have been CEO at ISU Credit Union in Terre Haute for 17 years and after hearing Ruth speak at an annual meeting years ago, I decided to get involved with the League governance. I served on the League board for 6 years and the final two as Board Chairman. I am proud to be a member of the Indiana Credit Union Hall of Fame along with Ruth. She was truly an inspiration.
My condolences to family and friends.
We were neighbors of Ruth and Ed on Rosemary Lane. I still go past their home and think of them. We also visited them in AZ when they lived there. Ruth was instrumental in getting us involved with NDFCU.
They have a beautiful picture of Ruth and a lovely message in the lobby..in her memory. May she rest in peace.
Anita and Stu Fishman
1555 N. Rosemary Lane
South Bend, IN 46637
I was so sorry to hear about the passing of Ruth. She was such a good credit union friend and we will all miss her a great deal. Please know my prayers are with you in this time of reflection.
It was a genuine pleasure to know both Ruth and Ed when Ruth served on the board of directors of the Education Credit Union Council. She was a joy and true professional–and they were a magnificent couple. All of their friends at ECUC share your loss.
I have known Ruth since the 1960s. She was a stalwart in the Notre Dame Credit Union and also a trusted and loyal friend. I will attend the Saturday service. My sympathy to her family. Fondly, John
Think of all of you during this difficult time. With Kathy as a good friend in high school, I spent a great deal of time at the Kelly’s. Though we have drifted apart over the years, the fun memories at their home will always be a big part of my life. You are all a proud legacy for your mother.
After I came to CUES a year after she retired, I came to learn what a wonderful person Ruth was and how much she cared about credit unions and her members. In recognition of her achievements, CUES inducted her into our Hall of Fame in 1988. Rest in Peace, Ruth.
Fred Johnson, CUES PresidentCEO
I would like to thank everyone for their comments. I am one of Ruth’s grandchildren, and this is a beautiful obituary. Thank you for sharing your rememberances of my remarkable grandmother.
Hello Carlyn, I work for Notre Dame FCU and I’m looking for photos of your grandmother, especially one with Ruth and Fr. Hesburgh. Would you have access to any that you’d be willing to share?