BROWN COUNTY
In Loving Memory of Ruth Reichmann.Poetically on the 12th day of Christmas, Epiphany, January 6th, 2024, Ruth Marion Reichmann passed away in the comfort of her treasured historic home surrounded by loved ones. She leaves behind a legacy that spans generations, a testament to the profound impact she had on the lives of those around her.Ruth Reichmann PhD., was born in Munich, Germany, on July 29, 1928, to Dr. Karlheinz Bachmund and his wife Lillianne. She grew up in Nuremburg, Germany during WWII, a difficult time and place. At 24, she came to the United States and worked in the University of Cincinnati’s Medical Research Department. She met her husband, Eberhard Reichmann (Eb), at university. They married in 1956 and three years later moved to Bloomington, IN where Eb worked as a Professor at Indiana University (I.U.) in the German Department. Ruth completed her B.A. cum laude in Speech and Theatre and an M.A. in German and started becoming involved in volunteer work. She helped establish organizations, like the Sassafras Chapter of the National Audubon Society and the League of Women Voters of Brown County. Ruth also served as both organizations’ president for many years. Ruth co-founded, with Eb, IUPUI’s Max Kade German-American Center and the Indiana German Heritage Society (IGHS) and served as its first president. Ruth was a driving force in saving and revitalizing the Indianapolis Athenaeum and sponsors a children’s Sankt Nicholaus Fest that is hosted there annually. In 1986, Ruth received her Ph.D. in Adult and Multicultural Education from I.U. She served as an Adjunct Ass. Professor at IUPUI and the education chair for the Society of German American Studies, all while establishing a German American Center.Ruth was a strong supporter of community improvement. She helped develop Brown County Community Foundation, Brown County History Center, Brown County YMCA, and Brown County Library.
Ruth cared about her community and valued its history, so she founded Peaceful Valley Heritage and Preservation Society (PVH). As you venture throughout Brown County you will see the historical markers that she championed to acknowledge and appreciate our county’s cultural pastime. Ruth was preceded in death by her loving husband of 53 years, Eberhard Reichmann.Ruth is survived by her son, Robert & Mitzie Reichmann, and daughter, Maria & Chester Chapin, who carry forward her legacy. Her love extends beyond her children, reaching into the hearts of her grandchildren: Zachariah Reichmann, Jeremiah & Lorna Reichmann, Elijah Reichmann & Shannon Brunton and Sarah Hicks. Ruth is also succeeded in death by her great-grandchildren, Alexander, Vittoria, & Tucker Reichmann, and Abbigail and Lillianne Reichmann, who will forever cherish the warmth of her love. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to any of the organizations above that reflects Ruth’s compassionate spirit and commitment to making the world a better place.We will celebrate Ruth’s life on Sunday, February 25, 2024 from 3 to 5 pm at The Athenaeum in Indianapolis and on Saturday, July 27, 2024 from 3 to 5 pm at the Brown County History Center in Nashville. May her soul rest in peace, surrounded by the love she so generously gave during her time with us.
