Ruth A. Wilder, 86, of Decatur, IN, passed away on Divine Mercy, Sunday, April 12, 2026 at her residence. Ruth was born in Decatur on July 24, 1939, the daughter of the late Herman A. and Amelia C. (Ulman) Lengerich. She married D. Joseph Wilder on August 9, 1958, he preceded her in death on September 11, 2012.
Ruth was a lifelong parishioner at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church and was a 1957 graduate of Decatur Catholic High School. She attended Daily Mass and led the Rosary after Mass every morning. She served as a lector, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, and was an Altar Server especially for Funeral Masses. She also volunteered in the Parish bookstore.
She is survived by 9 children, Suzy Wilder, Deb Wilder, Mike (Susan) Wilder, Tony (Lori) Wilder, Roger Wilder, John Wilder, Kris Wilder, Matt (Mary) Wilder, and Jodi (Todd) McBride; a brother, Mike (Pat) Lengerich; 14 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Emily C. Wilder; 10 brothers and 3 sisters.
Visitation will be from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at Haggard-Hirschy & Zelt Funeral Home, with a reciting of the Holy Rosary at 2:30 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026 at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, with Father Jacob Runyon and Father Stephen Colchin concelebrating. Calling will be 1 hour prior to Mass from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. in the St. Mary’s Parish Hall. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Improvement Fund or Masses (made out as The Living and Deceased members of the Joseph & Ruth Wilder Family).
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