Ruth E. Stearns, age 88, of Richmond, died Thursday evening (November 12, 2009) at Reid Hospital. She was born in Richmond on February 22, 1921 to Matt and Irene Issen Brinker and had lived here all of her life. She was a dental assistant for Dr. Linn and then for Dr. Bechtel and was a member of Holy Family Church. Her husband, Marshall Stearns, died in 1957. Survivors include her son - Mark Stearns of Muncie; sister - Rose Morrison of Richmond; nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, two sisters - Angela Brinker and Jean Stolle, and five brothers - Fred Brinker, Robert Brinker, Paul Brinker, John Brinker and James Brinker, are also deceased. Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2:00 pm on Tuesday (November 17, 2009) in Holy Family Church (815 West Main Street). Burial will be in Saint Andrew Cemetery. Friends may call on Monday (November 16, 2009) from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Riggle - Waltermann Mortuary. www.riggle-waltermann.com