COLUMBUS
Ruthann (Granny) Stam, 82, of Columbus, entered eternal life Monday, June 17, 2019. Ruthann was born May 14, 1937 to Willard and Lillian Wint Schwartzkopf. She graduated from Columbus High School in 1955.
She married her high school sweetheart, Earl Stam, on June 22, 1956 and he survives. They have five children; Scott (Pippa) Stam, Keith (Tracy) Stam, Gary Stam, Aleta (Kip) Kiel and Angie Ballard; fifteen grandchildren: Heidi (David) Lawrence, Jessica (Josh) Meek, Heather (Carlos) Florido, Kasey (Shannon) Collins, Eric Stam, Jacob Stam, Katie (Brian) Irk, Drew Kiel, Dusty Kiel, Josh Stam, Devin (Olivia) Stam, Caleb Stam, Garvin Ballard, Gunner Kiel and Macy (Ben) Copple; sixteen great-grandchildren; Paige, Breanna and Noah Lawrence; Ryder, Hayden, Jax and Tatum Meek; Elizabeth, Isabella and A. J. Florido; Calum Stam; Charlotte, Rose and Wrigley Irk; and Evie and Harper Collins; two sisters: Jeanette Finke and Evelyn White. Preceding her in death were two brothers, Clarence and David Schwartzkopf; and one sister, Mary Margaret Finke.
Ruthann was passionate about raising children in a strong Christian Faith. She loved her family, music, playing the organ, teaching piano and organ lessons. She loved making homemade noodles, cookies, and gingerbread houses with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
As a sports enthusiast, Ruthann enjoyed supporting all her children and grandchildren.
She was the first organist at Grace Lutheran Church in Columbus. For over 65 years Ruthann served as organist at many churches throughout the community. She played for over 1000 weddings and funerals. She was a self-employed professional piano teacher for many students. Her final piano lesson was given just a few weeks ago. She was a member of the Music Teachers National Association.
She started the first Handbell Choir at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Columbus. Ruthann was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church-Clifty.
A celebration of life service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Friday at St. Paul Lutheran Church-Clifty with the Rev. Douglas Bauman officiating
Family and friends may call from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home on Washington Street.
A private family graveside service will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church Cemetery.
The family request that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana or St. Paul Lutheran Church-Clifty.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the Stam family and a video tribute may be viewed at barkesweaverglick.com
