A candle was lit by Gale (Matheson) Nicholson on October 6, 2017 2:41 PM

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Ruth was a beautiful person inside and out. She was so kind, welcoming and loving the very first time I met her. She always had a smile for anyone she met. Her greatest loves were her husband and her three boys and she was happy to tell you all about them. She leaves that great love with her children and grandchildren. May you rest in that love. Blessings to all.

A candle was lit by Gale Matheson Nicholson on October 5, 2017 6:37 PM

A candle was lit by Kelli, Jack, Jaime, Draven, & Bronson on October 5, 2017 12:24 PM

Message from Karen Hulteen

Our family visits to upper Michigan each summer always included a visit to Uncle Jim and Aunt Ruth's farm, which was quite the experience for this "city girl"! I remember my cousins showing me how to jump in a pile of hay in the barn, and squealing when a mouse scurried away--one of many memories of visits there. Ruth was always gracious and welcoming, a kind and loving hostess.
In more recent years, my Dad, Bob Johnson, Uncle Jim's brother, would always stop with me to see Ruth in her senior
apartment in Escanaba, taking her out to Burger King for her favorite, a chicken sandwich, a tradition I continued after Dad's passing. The last time I called her, she said she didn't go out anymore, but wouldn't mind if I brought one to her. So we shared take-out, while going through old photos and sharing family memories and stories. She loved her "boys" and their families and always spoke with pride about them. While I had not seen her since her move into nursing home care, I was astonished by her strength and youthfulness in her mid-90s, probably reflecting her years of hard physical work , side-by-side with her beloved Jim.
May the entire family feel surrounded by GRACE as you celebrate the life of this special lady!
I am with you in spirit and prayer.
Karen (Johnson) Hulteen