Catherine Ressler

Catherine Ressler, age 97, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2026. She was born on January 6, 1929, in Rochester, Indiana, to Harold Carruthers and Cecile Carruthers.

Catherine grew up in Rochester and graduated from Rochester High School before attending Ball State Teachers College. A gifted student, she graduated at the top of her class. During her time at Ball State she was active in athletics as a member of the college club traveling tennis squad and was also known throughout her school years as a captain baton twirler, later teaching baton twirling to others after college.

In 1950 she married the love of her life, Hugh Ressler. Together they built a life centered on family, faith, and community. Catherine resided many years in Warsaw, Indiana, and more recently in Clermont, Florida.

Catherine dedicated twenty years to teaching at Washington Elementary School, where she touched the lives of countless students with her patience, warmth, and commitment to education.

She was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church in Warsaw, Indiana.

Catherine was known for her energy, sharp mind, and joyful spirit. Even into her nineties she remained active—riding her bicycle around Winona Lake during the COVID years until the tires were worn bald. She was the undisputed queen of board games, winning the family domino tournament just last Christmas. She also loved crossword puzzles and was an enthusiastic sports fan.

More than anything, Catherine was devoted to her family. She was a fantastic wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, neighbor, softball shagger at countless games, muffin baker and a steady source of encouragement and love to those around her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Hugh Ressler, and her daughter, Nancy Ressler Brown.

Catherine is survived by her sons, Terry Ressler and David Ressler; her son-in-law, Curt Brown; her granddaughters, Kathryn English, Sarah Kilgore, Leigh Ann Hilbe, and Amanda Landavazo; and her grandson, William Brown. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren: Wyatt English, Wade Kilgore, Patrick Hilbe, Connor Hilbe, Alice Kilgore, Margaret English, Baxter Landavazo, and Ivy Landavazo.

A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25, at Oakwood Cemetery in Warsaw, Indiana.

Catherine will be remembered for her strength, kindness, humor, and the deep love she had for her family and friends. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched as a teacher, mentor, and devoted mother and grandmother.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday March 25, 2026 at 1:00 PM at Oakwood Cemetery Warsaw, Indiana.

The Family of Catherine Ressler has entrusted McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels, Warsaw for arrangements.