In Memory

Annabelle Clark (Kixmiller Ruch) - Class Of 1936

Annabelle Clark (Kixmiller Ruch)

Annabelle Clark Kixmiller Ruch, 89, passed away peacefully on December 21, 2007 in Naples after a short illness due to complications of lymphoma. She was surrounded by her loving family and friends in her final days, as she was throughout her life. Ann was a year-round resident of Naples for 40 years. Ann grew up in San Marino, California and graduated with honors from Stanford University where she was president of the Stanford Women's Student Body and a member of Cap and Gown women's honorary society. She married fellow Stanford graduate, Bruce C. Kixmiller in 1941. They raised three children in Indiana and Washington, DC. In 1968, they moved to Naples where they enjoyed two decades together before Bruce passed away in 1988.

In 1990, Ann was blessed again with her marriage to widower and Purdue graduate, Stewart E. Ruch. Ann and Stewart had 13 joyous years traveling the world together and sharing a life in Indianapolis and Naples before Stewart passed away in 2003. Ann was deeply devoted to both of her families, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ann had a wonderful and remarkable life, highlighted always by her abiding faith and the breadth and depth of her friendships. Enormously active in the Naples community, Ann was an inspiration to each and all. Though Ann traveled extensively, it was her family, friends and church that were always her focus. Ann was an active member of Moorings Presbyterian Church for over 20 years where she served as a Deacon, Sunday School teacher, Stephen Minister and hospital volunteer. For many years she taught arts and crafts to those recovering from mental illness. Ann also served in her community as Moorings Park Activities Chair, was an accomplished artist and floral designer, a delightful golf partner and a gracious hostess. Her charm, kindness, creativity and enthusiasm were always present. A devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Ann built a legacy of love and service. Ann modeled Christian principles of prayerful living by showing compassion, forgiveness, grace, patience and a grateful heart. Selfless acts of kindness and dedication to the needs of others before her own were the foundations on which Ann lived her life. She was a beacon of light, hope and promise to all, whatever the circumstance. She appreciated God's gifts, always expressing gratitude for them in word and gesture.

Ann is survived by her three children, Margaret Vickers of Augusta, Maine, Susan DiMartino of Weston, Massachusetts and David Kixmiller of Menlo Park, California; as well as three step-children, Skip Ruch of Naples, Bill Ruch of Zionsville, Indiana and Carolyn Rembusch of Indianapolis; 16 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren from her marriages to Bruce C. Kixmiller and Stewart E. Ruch.  Ann will be deeply missed by her beloved family and her many dear friends.

Naples Daily News, December 28, 2007