Send Condolence

Ruth Louise Young Brogneaux
Date Of Death:November 18, 2011
Service Date:November 22, 2011

Ruth Louise Young Brogneaux died on Friday November 18, 2011at the
Meadowood Health Pavilion in Bloomington. She was preceded in death by
her parents, Merrie Maude Cowles Young and Charles Franklin Young, and her siblings Nellie Mae. James Franklin, and Samuel Maurice, as well as her beloved husband. John Pierre Brogneaux.

Ruth is survived by daughters Patricia Jeanne Brogneaux Brennan (CDR
Michael John) of Annandale. Virginia, and Diana Lynn Brogneaux Yoder
(Frank Wallace Yoder, M.D.) of Dublin, Ohio. She is also survived by seven
grandchildren: Kathleen Brennan Chappell (Steve), Sheila Brennan
Wetherell (Ed), Mary-Clare Brennan Veteto (Jonathan), Michael P. Brennan
(Amy), Megan B. Brennan. John W. Yoder (Jenny), and Benjamin Y. Yoder
(Lori). In addition are great-grandchildren: Merrie and Emily Chappell,
Thomas and Elizabeth Wetherell, Rowan Mary Veteto. Luke and Jillian
Brennan, Matthew and Stephen Yoder, and Ava Grace, Jaiden Ann and the
upcoming January birth of Samantha Ruth.

Ruth graduated from Mount Auburn High School in Shelby County, Indiana.
and received a B.A. with distinction in her triple majors of English, music
and physical education from Ball State Teachers' College in Muncie,
Indiana. She was also a member and president of Psi Theta social sorority.
Following 12 years of piano lessons. and prior to attending Ball State, she
was an invited guest to perform classical piano selections on an
Indianapolis radio station. While at Ball State. she held numerous jobs to
earn her tuition, her favorite being the alto member of a musical trio that
collaborated with a local dance band. It was there, also. that she met her
future husband, John.   

Following their marriage on June 3. 1936, Ruth taught physical education
and health for three years at Shelbyville High School. In addition, she
directed the junior and senior choirs, taking the junior high school choir to
a first-place win in Indiana state competition. After settling into the
Bloomington community, Ruth became a charter member of the
Bloomington Hospital Auxiliary, the Local
Council of Women, eventually becoming its president, and a member of
the Bloomington Hospital Board, holding various offices and becoming its
president. She was a member of the Circle of Friends, comprised of former
presidents of the Bloomington Hospital Board, and she volunteered for
28 years for the Bloomington Hospital. In addition, she became extremely
involved as a member of the First Christian Church of Bloomington and
was one of the first two female elders of the church. She was also joined
by women of two other local churches in establishing the Opportunity
House of Bloomington. As well, Ruth was active in the University Women's
Club of Indiana University, and the Daughters of the American Revolution.

In her spare time. she was a substitute teacher of English at Bloomington
South High School for 10 years, and worked for the Indiana University
School of Education editing the presented Master's Degree theses. She
enjoyed her pastimes of reading. playing the piano, listening to classical
music and was an avid golfer at the Bloomington Country Club, where she
won a number of tournaments. In addition, she enjoyed bowling, playing
bridge and poker and she took great pleasure in the offerings of Indiana
University, from sports to theater. Her greatest joy, however, was traveling
the world with John and their many friends. Ruth cherished her family and
her multitude of friends, both in Bloomington and Naples, Florida, where
she and John "wintered" for 28 years.


Ruth's family extends their deepest thanks to her physician, Thomas
Sharp, M.D, the nursing staff of the Bloomington Hospital, and,
especially, the skilled and incredibly caring nursing staff of the
Meadowood Health Pavilion.

In lieu of flowers. contributions may be made in her name to the
Bloomington Hospital, the First Christian Church of Bloomington. Indiana,
the Indiana University Foundation, Jill's House. or the charity of your
choice. A Celebration of Life will be held for Ruth at the First Christian
Church 205 East Kirkwood Avenue in Bloomington on Tuesday November
22, 2011 at 11:00AM  Allen Funeral Home is handling the arrangements
and online condolences may be sent to the family at
www.allenfuneralhome.org.


  • From: Charles (Bill) Meiser
    Location:Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan

    My deepest sympathy is with the entire Brogneaux family.


  • From: Tony and Betty Mobley
    Location:Bloomington, IN

    Our thoughts are with you as you celerate the wonderful life of a special lady. We have so many happy memories of both Ruth and John as a couple and as individuals. They both lived life to the fullest-something we would all hope for. We are trully glad we knew them both as they impacted the lives of so many people. It is never easy to have your parents die whatever the circumstances or age, but all those happy memories live with you forever and bring them close to you in so many ways each day. We are sorry we can not be there to honor Ruth and express to you our sympathy in person. We are in South Carolina for the holidays, but will be thinking of you. Love, Betty & Tony Mobley


  • From: Georganne Binnie
    Location:Chicago, IL

    Diana & Family, I was sad to hear of your mother's passing -- when we visited at the recent U-School Reunion, you wondered aloud if the end weren't near. As I told you that night, I still miss my mother terribly, but your Mom had a very active, accomplished, and happy life. Please take comfort in knowing that and also that she is no longer suffering. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Georganne


  • From: Rudy & Betty Rudolph
    Location:Bloomington, IN

    We were so happy to be friends and neighbors of Ruth and John here at Meadowood. We share your loss and send our sympathy and love. As you remarked,"Ruth is now in a better place, with John" Dr.'s appointments will prevent us from being with you in person tomorrow, but our thoughts and prayers for you will be there. Love, Betty and Rudy


  • From: Donna Waters Boles
    Location:Tuscaloosa, AL

    Your mother and father were always two of the brightest and most fun people among my parents' friends. I miss them both. Donna


  • From: Dan & Shirley Wetherell
    Location:Oakton, Virginia

    Ruth was full of energy and a joy to be around. We met Ruth and John at Sheila and Ed's wedding. They enjoyed dancing and having a fun time. We express our sympathy to the family and our prayers are with you. Dan and Shirley Wetherell


  • From: George Malacinski
    Location:Bloomington

    Beginning a few weeks ago we tried to make contact with Ruth. No dice! I was told by the receptionist at Meadowood that "Ruth is not at home", with no further information available. That is when I left a phone message on Patty and Mike's voice mail, worrying that something was wrong. Then Tine and I left town on Nov. 17, returning today (Thanksgiving Day) to realize that we missed her passing, and the service as well. Her obituary is WONDERFUL, and it told me a lot about why I admired her so much! Love, to all, George and Tine