Ruth Adele Ball Converse Mills-Varnell Mills

RICHMOND, Ind. – Ruth Adele Ball Converse Mills-Varnell Mills left this earth on January 29, 2024, with her family by her side. Ruth was born in Swanton, Ohio, on December 7, 1944, to Vernena Cunningham Ball and Robert Reed Ball. She received an Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Studies, a bachelor’s degree in general studies from Indiana University East, and a master’s degree in executive development for Public Service from Ball State University. Ruth was Executive Director of the Richmond Art Museum from 1981 through 1998, Director of Whitewater Community Television from 1998 to 2005 and Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Randolph County until her retirement in December 2015. Of all the positions she had, she would say the one that fulfilled her the most was teaching speech classes at IU East. Ruth loved her students and felt they taught her as much if not more than she taught them. She also taught some business, art, and metalsmithing classes. Ruth gave numerous presentations in every field she worked in and took advantage of many educational opportunities to continue her professional growth. While at the museum she orchestrated an exhibition of the Tom Golden collection “Christo and Jeanne-Claude,” and the artists, along with Tom, came to Richmond for the show and a special event. She initiated shows for WCTV including “Non-Profit Times” later called “The Third Sector.” When not working or teaching, Ruth enjoyed gardening and creating jewelry with polymer clay and precious metal clay. Working with clay was not only an artistic outlet but provided the opportunity to meet other artistic people from around the country. During her early years, she was an accomplished seamstress. She has always been an advocate for Richmond and Randolph County, serving on boards and committees of the Richmond Area Chamber of Commerce, Conflict Resolution Center, Historic Farmland, Indiana Arts Commission, Indiana District Foundation, Richmond Area Rose Festival, Winchester Area Chamber of Commerce, Winchester Rotary, Winchester Kiwanis, and Starr-Gennett Jazz Foundation. Ruth was the first female member of the Eastern Gateway Kiwanis Club and a member of the Richmond Noon Kiwanis. She served on the Indiana Kiwanis Foundation Board of Directors and was Lt. Governor of the Rose Division of Kiwanis. Ruth was the first female recipient of the Kiwanis Legion of Honor award for 25 years of membership. She was a member of First Baptist Church, and later Centerville Christian Church. Despite a lengthy battle with lung cancer and its complications, Ruth’s spirits never dwindled. She hoped somehow her battle would help and inspire others. Ruth sincerely appreciated every card, call, visit, and expression of support. Survivors include her children, Julia Converse Sober, Jennifer Converse (Robert) Schroeder, and Jason (Kelly) Mills; grandchildren, Emily Schroeder, Philip Schroeder, Lexi Mills, Zavier Mills, and Avery Harrison; brother, Kenneth (Linda) Ball; sister-in-law, Lois Ball; brother-in-law, Arthur DeBerard; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Philip Henry Converse, Gary Arnold Mills, and Stephen Craig Varnell; parents; sisters, Peggy Lee Yoakam and Janette DeBerard; brother, David Ball; and step-father, Clifford Maltby. Visitation for Ruth will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, February 2, 2024, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond. Funeral service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Friday, February 2, 2024, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Women’s Fund of Randolph County, 120 West Washington Street, Winchester, IN 47394 or Richmond Art Museum, 350 Hub Etchison Parkway, Richmond, IN 47374. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.

Ruth Adele Ball Converse Mills-Varnell Mills

December 7, 1944 - January 29, 2024