Ruth Ann (Holmes) Waltz, formerly of Elkhart, Indiana, passed away at age 81 in Maryville, Tennessee, on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019, with her husband, Tom, by her side. She was born on March 30, 1938, to Julian and Marthena Holmes (deceased) in Elkhart, Indiana.

Thomas Hal Waltz, formerly of Williamsport, Indiana, age 84, passed away peacefully at home in Alcoa, Tennessee, on June 29, 2022, surrounded by his loving children and grandchildren. He was born on May 11, 1938, to Charlie VanCleve and Rose Emma (Chandler) Waltz (deceased) of Williamsport, Indiana.

Tom and Ruth Ann were married for 61 years. They were preceded in death by their daughter, Sarah (twin) in 1998, and Tom's brother, James Charles Waltz of Kansas. They are survived by their three children, Julie McFarlane (Anthony) of Alcoa, Tennessee, Jeff Waltz (Patty) of Hawthorne, Florida, and Susan Waltz Knopf (Tim) of Alcoa, Tennessee. They also leave behind three well-loved grandchildren, Elizabeth Boles (Chris) of Franklin, Tennessee, Emilie Hughes of Knoxville Tennessee, and Matthew Hughes of Albuquerque, New Mexico. They are also survived by nephew Jim (Lisa) Waltz and their six children, and nieces Debbie and Linda of Baldwin City, Kansas. Their beloved Aussiedoodle, "Charlie" now resides with their only grandson, Matthew, in New Mexico.

Tom and Ruth Ann met while he attended Hanover College in 1956 and were united in marriage on Sept. 1, 1958, on Labor Day. Tom often joked that it was a labor of love. They moved to Greencastle, Indiana, where Tom continued his education at DePauw University, and where their first child, Julia, was born.

They moved to Elkhart in 1960. Tom accepted a job with Ziesel's Department Store as assistant advertising director and later as sales promotion director for several years. In 1976, Tom and his family left Indiana while continuing to pursue his career in retail advertising in many states including North Carolina, Alabama, Florida and Tennessee, where he retired after 45 years in the business.

Ruth Ann enjoyed teaching needlework in shops in Indiana, North Carolina and Alabama. Having had twin babies, she initiated the Elkhart Area Mothers of Twins Club, was a member of the Beta Chi Sorority and Pythian Sisters of Elkhart. Tom was a past member of the Tyrian Masonic Lodge of Elkhart and the Scottish Rite Valley of South Bend.

Tom had a green thumb and he spent his retirement years beautifying his yard growing unique plants and flowers indigenous to Tennessee. In their later years, Ruth Ann and Tom enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren, antiquing, playing bridge and Rummikub.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer's Tennessee or the American Cancer Society of East Tennessee. A memorial service for Mom and Dad/Gram and Grandad will be held on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, at 10 a.m. at Rice Cemetery in Elkhart, Indiana.