Ruth "Jo" Engstrom

Ruth “Jo” Engstrom, a lifelong resident of South Bend, passed away peacefully at 4:45 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023 at the age of 92 years old.

She was born December 6, 1930 in South Bend, a daughter of the later Elmer & Myrtle (Sharp) Swisher, and was a graduate of James Whitcomb Riley High School.

On May 19, 1951 at Calvary Temple Church, South Bend, Jo was united in marriage to Carl A. Engstrom who was the love of her life. They enjoyed nearly 44 years of marriage until his passing on January 12, 1994.

Following high school, Jo was employed with NIPSCO, the Accounting Dept. of the Studebaker Corp, Calvary Temple Day Care, and retired as a Para-Professional and Special Ed. Dept. with the South Bend Community School Corp., at Forest G. Hay Elementary School.  She was a longtime faithful member of Calvary Temple Church, now Southgate Church in South Bend.

She is survived by two daughters, Karen (Phil) Wisniewski of Bloomington, IN; Betty (Russ) Jones of Palm City, FL; son-in-law, Dennis J. Enyeart of South Bend, along with five grandchildren, Andrea Enyeart, David (Chasity) Enyeart, Justin (Holly) Wisniewski, Natalie (Richard) Crider, and Anneka Jones.  Also surviving are seven great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

Along with her husband Carl, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Jan. E. Enyeart on April 23, 2004, and sisters, Mary Jane Swisher on Dec. 17, 1978, and Eleanor Rhoades on April 18, 2019, and niece Mari Rhoades on May 31, 2021.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. Monday, Feb. 27, at the Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 South Michigan St., South Bend.

Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28, at Southgate Church, 3717 South Michigan St., South Bend where visitation will occur one hour prior to the service.  Rev. Jeff Kennedy will officiate. Graveside services and burial will follow at Southlawn Cemetery.

Contributions in memory of Mrs. Engstrom may be offered to Southgate Church, 3717 So. Michigan St., South Bend, IN  46614.  Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

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