Ruth J. Hatke

Ruth Jean (Fultz) Hatke, age 90, of Lafayette, was born on August 3, 1935, to the late Aaron and Leota (Reece) Fultz.

On August 18, 1956, she married the love of her life, Richard “Dick” Hatke. Their marriage was a beautiful example of devotion, partnership, and enduring love. Dick preceded her in death on August 3, 2025, at the age of 92.

Ruth was an operator for General Telephone for 37 years.

Though they did not have children of their own, Ruth and Dick shared their love generously with their family—especially their nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews, who held a very special place in their hearts. Ruth was deeply devoted to her family and was always willing to help others, whether it was taking loved ones to doctor’s appointments or caring for nieces and nephews over the years.

Ruth was both spirited and gentle—she was a yell-leader at Monitor High School, yet known for her quiet and kind nature. She found joy in life’s simple and meaningful moments. She loved cooking, picking strawberries, and preserving the traditions of home canning. Ruth was especially known for her homemade pies, cookies, and her famous scotcharoos—treats lovingly made and shared, leaving sweet memories with all her family.

She also had a special gift for creating with her hands, making beautiful quilts and knitting dishcloths that were both practical and heartfelt. Ruth took great care in preserving Fultz family photographs, mementos and memories.

Surviving are her siblings Beverly Snyder, Ernest Paul Fultz, Dorothy White and Shirley Kay Smith all of Lafayette.  Ruth was preceded in death by her siblings Cecil Fultz and Lula Davis.

Her love lives on in the family she cherished so deeply, and she is now reunited with the love of her life, Dick, where their story continues in peace.

Visitation will be from 10:00 am until the time of the service at 11:00 am on Monday, April 6, 2026, at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Blvd. Interment will be at Tippecanoe Memory Gardens in West Lafayette, Indiana.