Susan Ruch Announces Retirement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 18, 2026
Susan Ruch Announces Retirement
Ruch concludes a 27-year career marked by service to small businesses, community investment, and mentorship
FRANKFORT, INDIANA — First Bank Midwest has announced the upcoming retirement of longtime banker and community advocate Susan Ruch, who will conclude a 27-year career with the organization on October 2, 2026.
A Frankfort native, Ruch, has spent 29 years in the banking industry, including 27 years with The Farmers Bank, now called First Bank Midwest. Throughout her career, she has become known for her expertise in small business lending and her commitment to helping individuals, businesses and nonprofit organizations throughout Clinton County thrive.
“Susan’s career is a wonderful example of what community banking is all about,” said Chris Cook, CEO of First Bank Midwest. “For 27 years, she has invested herself in the success of her customers, colleagues and community. She has helped people purchase homes, entrepreneurs build businesses, nonprofit organizations expand their impact and generations of employees grow professionally. The relationships she has built and the difference she has made will remain an important part of our organization and community for years to come.”
The Farmers Bank Impact
Ruch joined The Farmers Bank on September 7, 1999, as a Commercial Loan Clerk. She became a Retail Loan Officer in 2001 and Commercial Loan Officer Manager in 2005 before moving into small business lending in 2008. Prior to joining The Farmers Bank, she began her banking career with Purdue National Bank.
“Small business owners are the backbone of America and assisting them in making their businesses successful is a role I have never taken lightly,” Ruch said. “It has been an honor to join so many of them on their journey and provide the tools and financing they need to move forward. Helping people achieve their dreams has been one of the greatest privileges of my career.”
Ruch’s impact has extended well beyond traditional lending. During the past decade, she has spearheaded efforts with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis that resulted in more than $2.59 million in grant funding for individuals, businesses and nonprofit organizations in Clinton County.
Those efforts include more than $2.03 million through the SHARP program to assist area homeowners with deferred home maintenance, $65,000 through the Elevate program to support three local small businesses and a $500,000 Affordable Housing Program grant that helped One80 Recovery Resources establish a 16-bed residential recovery facility for men.
In recognition of her dedication and commitment to Indiana communities, Ruch received the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis’ Community Spirit Award for Indiana in 2023.
“Susan has always understood that lending is ultimately about people and the opportunities we can help create for them,” said Drew Cripe, Senior Vice President of Commercial Banking at First Bank Midwest and Ruch’s supervisor. “She cares deeply about her customers and this community. Her knowledge, compassion and willingness to share what she has learned have made her an invaluable member of our team.”
Community Impact
Ruch has also invested significantly in developing others. In 2018, she was among the original group of participants in a Banking on Women group who helped establish The Farmers Bank’s mentorship program. She has facilitated the program’s committee since its inception, helping guide six groups of mentors and mentees. She has also volunteered for 10 years with Reading Champions, the bank’s initiative connecting employees with local third-grade students to strengthen their reading skills and build meaningful relationships.
“Working 27 years at one institution says a lot about the organization and the people who make it special,” Ruch said. “I am blessed to have built my legacy here. My customers and my work family mean so much to me and leaving the people I have had the privilege of seeing and serving every day will undoubtedly be the most difficult part of retirement. I am incredibly grateful for the relationships, experiences and opportunities these 27 years have given me.”
Beyond the bank, Ruch currently serves on the Friends of the Library Board, previously served on the local Habitat for Humanity board and volunteers with Wesley Manor Chapel. She is a Frankfort Senior High School graduate and earned an associate degree from Ball State University.
In retirement, Ruch looks forward to spending more time with her husband, Joe, their five children and 12 grandchildren, as well as traveling, serving others and continuing her passion for writing. Her first early-reader chapter book, Pretty Kitty and the Magnificent World, was released in February 2026, fulfilling a lifelong dream. She plans to promote the book through student presentations and hopes to continue writing.
Retirement Open House
A Retirement Open House will take place on Thursday, October 1, from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm in the South Conference Room at Frankfort Financial Center in downtown Frankfort. Customers and the community are welcome to attend. No RSVP required. Ruch’s final day with First Bank Midwest will be Friday, October 2, 2026.
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About First Bank Midwest
First Bank Midwest is a community bank serving customers through 26 full-service locations across Indiana and Ohio, committed to delivering relationship-focused banking, local decision-making, and personalized financial solutions for individuals, families, businesses, and the communities it proudly serves. First Bank Midwest operates under the parent company Richmond Mutual Bancorporation, Inc., which trades on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol RMBI. Richmond Mutual Bancorporation, Inc. is headquartered in Richmond, Indiana, and First Bank Midwest is headquartered in Frankfort, Indiana. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
MEDIA CONTACT
Steve Latour
VP Community & Customer Experience
steve.latour@fbmw.com
317-316-6318 mobile