Sue Ellen Folkening, 81, of Indianapolis, IN received her angel wings and went to be with Jesus on December 14, 2025. Sue spent her final days surrounded by her loving family: her husband of 60 years, Bill, her children, and her grandchildren.
Sue was born on July 10, 1944, in Indianapolis, to the late Glenn W. Ruble and Virginia L. (Warfield) Ruble. She grew up in Indianapolis and graduated from Warren Central High School in 1962. Sue earned her Diploma in Nursing from Ball Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in 1965. She spent her nursing career working in various places but took the most pride in working as a Director of Nursing Services in long-term care facilities. Her first Director of Nursing job was at Sugar Creek Convalescent Center circa 1977. She went on to work at multiple facilities until she retired from Marquette Manor in 2014.
Sue met her beloved husband, Bill, in 1961 and they dated through the rest of their high school years and Sue's college years. They married on June 18, 1965, at St. John Lutheran Church in Indianapolis. During their 60-year marriage, Sue and Bill enjoyed doing all things together, from going out to dinner (on most Friday evenings one would find them at the Brandywine Steakhouse), playing cards with friends, fishing in couple's tournaments (Sue won "Fisherwoman of the Year" in 1985), camping, and attending church services at St. John Lutheran Church, Faith Lutheran Church, and most recently Zion Lutheran Church in New Palestine, IN, where they have been members since 2018. When they weren't going out, they were at home enjoying each other's company and watching TV. Sue loved to watch most sports with Bill, but she especially loved watching the Colts and Pacers games, IU and Purdue games, and Nascar races. But most of all, her and Bill enjoyed spending time with family. In her younger years, Sue also enjoyed gardening, reading, and doing counted cross-stitch when she had time.
Sue is survived by: her loving husband, Bill, her daughters Teri (Chris) Martin and Shari (Rick) Clark, her grandchildren Mackenzie (Matthew) White, Alex (Sierra) Martin, Billy (Abby) Clark, and Michael (Tiffany Rushton) Clark, three great-grandsons Camden, Coleman, and Clayton Clark, her brother Gary (Jayne) Ruble, and a multitude of nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Glenn and Virginia Ruble.
A celebration of life will be held on January 9, 2026, at Zion Lutheran Church, 6513 W. 300 S., New Palestine, IN. Calling hours will be from 10:00 am to noon, with the service at noon.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that memorial contributions be made to Zion Lutheran Church's building fund.
Arrangements handled by Bell Mortuary & Crematory, Shangrila Chapel, 1444 W US HWY 52, Fountaintown, IN 46130.
Online condolences at www.bellmortuary.com
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