Ruth "Little Grandma" Kemp

Ruth Kemp “Little Grandma”, age 103, a resident of Portland, passed away on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at IU Health Jay Hospital.

Ruth was born February 16, 1922, in Darke County, Ohio, the daughter of Noah and Evelyn (Brining) Nisonger.  Ruth married William Kenneth Kemp on April 9, 1938 and he passed away on September 6, 2002.

She worked as a cook at Madison Township School and Jay County Hospital.  She also worked at Campbell Soup in Saratoga and G.C. Murphy in Portland.  Ruth was a member of Praise Chapel Church of God and attended Church of the Brethren in Portland.  At Praise Chapel she was involved in many activities include Women’s Life of the church, WCG of the church and served as treasurer.  Ruth was an avid sports enthusiast attending many games in person and watching sports on TV.

Survivors include:

Her children:  Marlene Neargarder – North Salem, Indiana

Marilyn Bentz (husband Jack) – Portland, Indiana

8 grandchildren:  Debbie Hosier (husband Bruce), Rick Neargarder (wife Kathy), Delee Hall (husband Reggie), Diane Bentz-Cooper (husband Odie), Phil Bentz (wife Rachel), Ila Badger, Dick Watkins and Jack Burns.

20 great grandchildren and 43 great-great grandchildren

She was preceded in death by 4 grandchildren; Scottie Neargarder, Billy Bentz, Stevie Bentz and Missy Bentz-Lee and 3 great-great grandchildren; Hendrick, Harrison and Hadlee Neargarder.

Visitation will be held on Monday from 4-7 p.m. at Williamson-Spencer and Penrod Funeral Home in Portland.  Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the funeral home.  Pastor Kevin McClung will officiate and burial will follow at North Salem Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed towards Missy Lee Scholarship Fund through The Portland Foundation.