Pastor Ruth Munsey

In Loving Memory

Pastor Ruth Munsey

May 17, 1932 — August 13, 2026

Celebrating a life of faith, love, and lasting impact.

Her Story

Her Story

A life poured out in faith

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved co‑founder, Pastor Ruth Munsey. On August 13, 2026, Pastor Ruth transitioned to glory at 94 years of age, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy of faith, ministry, education, and service.

Together with her late husband, Bishop Frank Munsey, she founded Family Christian Center — formerly Evangelistic Temple — Hammond Christian Academy, and the American English Academy in Sofia, Bulgaria.

A pastor, pioneer, educator, and gifted gospel songwriter, Pastor Ruth devoted her life to building God’s Kingdom and reaching generations.

94 years of faith. A lifetime of impact. A legacy that will live for generations.

Her songs still carry her voice — among them
“Hallelujah Anyhow” and “Unfinished Task.”

✟

Celebration of Life

Join us to celebrate her

Date

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Viewing

1:00 – 4:00 PM
Open viewing before the service

Celebration of Life Service

6:00 PM

Location

Family Christian Center

340 45th St.
Munster, IN
Get Directions

Parking & Arrival

Planning your visit

Accessible

Accessible Parking

Accessible parking and wheelchair-accessible entrances are on the northeast side of the campus.

Family & Clergy

Family, Clergy & Special Guests

Designated parking is on the west side of the building. Please enter beneath the black awning with the FCC logo.

Rideshare

Rideshare Drop-Off

Guests arriving by rideshare may be dropped off at the main entrance on the north side of the building.

Disabilities

Special Accommodations

Guests requiring special seating accommodations may contact Ronald Jamerson at rjamerson@fcc4me.com.

Travel & Lodging

Airports near Munster, IN

Hotels in Munster, IN

Watch the Service

Can’t be there in person?

The Celebration of Life will be streamed live. The replay will remain here afterward for all who wish to watch.

Livestream link coming soon

Photo & Video Memories

A life in pictures

A visual timeline spanning her family, ministry, and the many lives she touched.

Early years
Frank & Ruth
Ministry
On the mission field
Family & legacy
Later years

More photos and video memories will be added here in the days ahead.

Their Legacy

The work of her hands

The ministries, schools, and communities that grew from a lifetime of service.

Gospel Ministries International, Inc.

The wider ministry through which their work reached the world.

Family Christian Center

Formerly Evangelistic Temple — the church Frank & Ruth built in 1953.

Hammond Christian Academy

Christian education for generations of students.

American English Academy

Founded in Sofia, Bulgaria — extending their reach across the world.

Missions

Her heart reached the world

Hover or tap a marker to see each mission field.

  • Mexico & Central America
  • Peru
  • China
  • Thailand
  • Dominican Republic & Haiti
  • Central India
  • Chicago & NWI Indiana — Homelessness
  • Eastern Europe

Tributes

In their own words

Selected tributes from family, pastors, colleagues, and friends. More will be added over the coming days.

“
A tribute from a family member, pastor, or friend will appear here.
Name
Relationship or title
“
A second written or video tribute will appear here.
Name
Relationship or title

Written & video tributes
coming in the days ahead

Share a tribute with the family
using the form below

In Lieu of Flowers

Continue their legacy

In lieu of flowers, the Munsey family invites you to honor Pastor Ruth’s life and legacy by supporting Operation Care — a permanent missions center dedicated to serving individuals and families in need in our local communities and around the world.

In 1953, Pastors Frank and Ruth Munsey built the original Evangelistic Temple, the ministry now known as Family Christian Center. More than seven decades later, Family Christian Center has repurchased this historic building to transform it into the permanent home of Operation Care.

The facility will be dedicated in honor of Pastors Frank and Ruth Munsey and will continue the work at the heart of their ministry: sharing the love of Christ, caring for people, and reaching communities through compassionate service and missions.

Your gift will help complete and prepare the facility so their legacy of faith, service, and missions can continue for generations to come.

Photo of Bishop Frank
& Pastor Ruth Munsey

Pastors Frank & Ruth Munsey

Operation Care · Renovation Progress

Continue Their Legacy

Share a Memory

Tell us your story of her

Have a story, or a message? Share it here and it becomes part of her lasting memory.

Messages to the Family

A word for the family

Leave a note of love and comfort for the Munsey family in the guestbook below.

Carry the Legacy Forward

Her legacy is something we are called to continue

Pastor Ruth Munsey’s life was devoted to faith, family, ministry, missions, and serving others. We invite you to carry her legacy forward — by living with faith, loving people, serving your community, supporting missions, and sharing the hope of Jesus Christ with future generations.

Your memorial gift to Operation Care will help continue the work Pastors Frank and Ruth Munsey began, and ensure their legacy of faith, compassion, and service continues to transform lives for generations to come.

Give in Honor of Pastor Ruth
“Hallelujah Anyhow.” Well done, Pastor Ruth Munsey