Ruth Ellen (Gieseke) Davis

Ruth Ellen Davis, 93, passed away October 25, 2022, in Fishers, IN. She was born in Patoka, IN, on May 12, 1929. Her family moved to Paoli, IN, where she graduated from high school in 1947 along with the love of her life, Merrill Davis. They were married in 1950 and soon moved to Louisville, KY, where they raised their family.

Ruth made an impact on so many lives. She was a piano teacher for 45 years and was dedicated to giving nothing but the best to her students as she passed along her love and knowledge of music. She was a long-time member of the Greater Louisville Music Teacher’s Association. Ruth was active in her church, the old Faith Presbyterian, where she sang in the choir, played the piano and organ, and worked with the children. She volunteered with the Southwest Community Ministries for several years. Ruth was also a lifeguard and taught swimming to all ages from babies to adults at the Southwest YMCA, from which she retired at the age of 80.

Ruth loved birdwatching, reading, and singing. She was passionate about genealogy, tirelessly researching as she worked on the family tree. She loved her dachshund Becky. She especially loved getting her family together on the holidays and any special occasion.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Merrill Davis; her parents, Lester and Elva Gieseke; her sister, Alice Melton; her brother, Bill Gieseke; and two great-grandchildren Max Duncan and Annaleah Duncan. She is survived by her children: Randall Davis (Gloria) of Hindsville, AR; Brian Davis (Sue) of Fort Wayne, IN; Paul Davis (Patty) of Louisville, KY; and Merrilyn Larkin (Mike) of Fishers, IN. She is also survived by eleven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren: Joshua Davis (wife Cathy, children Rylie and Claire), Elizabeth Duncan (husband Lee, children TaeSeong, Joey, and Meili), Sarah Davis (Joyce Barbour). Brandon Davis (wife Kayla, children Ruxin, Luna, and Maeve), Kelsey Edholm (husband Matt, children Katie and Abby), Jensen Davis, Rachael Davis, William Davis, Sean Larkin, Derek Larkin, and Erin Larkin.

Visitation will be held Sunday, October 30, 2022, from 1 PM to 3 PM with the celebration of life service to follow at 4 PM at Heady Hardy Funeral Home, 7710 Dixie Hwy, Louisville, KY. Entombment will be at Resthaven Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society in honor of her late husband, Merrill Davis, or to Traditions Hospice in Indianapolis, IN.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at dignitymemorial.com for the Davis family.