Straughn- Ruth M. Batson, 88, of rural Straughn, passed away Tuesday morning April 26, 2011 at the Henry County Hospital in New Castle, Indiana. A daughter of the late Roy M. and Laura (Richardson) Atwater, Ruth was born in Detroit, Michigan on September 13, 1922. She was a graduate of New Castle High School and Ball State University. Ruth was an english teacher and also taught other subjects such as biology at Straughn High School, Sulphur Springs High School and Tri High School. She also did substitute teaching in most area high schools. Ruth's memberships include Saturday Club, Psi Iota Xi Sorority while living in New Castle, Active in Henry County Extension Homemakers and Henry County General Federation of Womens Clubs, WHI, Sesame Circle, Two O'Clock Club, Hoosier Bard, Franklin Township Club, Se-Du- Gro, and Art Guild of Henry County. Ruth also served four terms on the Board of Trustees of New Castle Henry County Public Library. Survivors include 2 sons, Allen (Jean) Batson of Phoenix, Arizona and Cliff (Sheryl) Batson of Rock Hill, S. Carolina; 1 granddaughter, Melissa Batson of Fairfield, Ohio; 4 step grandchildren, Marquita Stafford, and Jeremy Neal of Rock Hill, S. Carolina, Scott Suthers of New York City, New York and Jill Saris of Surprise, Arizona; 5 step great grandchildren; sister in-law Louise Batson of Lewisville; 8 nieces and nephews. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, James Russell Batson on September 18, 1989. They were married in January of 1947. 2 brothers, Richard and Roy Atwater; brother in-laws, Roscoe Batson and Robert L. Huffman; sister in-law Crystal Jeanett (Batson) Huffman. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday April 30 , 2011 at the Marshall & Erlewein Funeral Home, Lewisville. Rev. Marion L. Hickman will officiate. Burial will follow at the Lewisville Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 - 8 p.m. on Friday April 29 , 2011 at the funeral home. Memorial Contributions can be made to the Salvation Army or Red Cross.