Lillian "Ruth" Caudy

When reflecting on the life of Lillian “Ruth” Caudy, it is impossible to miss the recurring theme throughout her tapestry of time – her love for her family. She lived to love and care for the needs of her family and never considered them to be a burden. Ruth was abundantly generous throughout her life and was always there to support those in need in any way she could. She was a woman of strong moral character who always based her every thought, word, and deed on the morals that were engraved upon her heart. Christmas was the most important time of the year to Ruth since it was a time for her to lavish those she loved with gifts, but her unconditional love was freely given to them every day of the year.

The 1920s were a time of change when America was able to move forward after the end of WWI in 1918. It was in the year 1922 that the Lincoln Memorial was dedicated in Washington, D.C., insulin was first used to treat those afflicted with diabetes, and new radio stations were taking to the airwaves on a daily basis. This was a year for great joy in the family of Fred and Lydia (McCracken) Pecktil as they welcomed their daughter, Lillian Ruth, into their hearts and home on April 17th. Lillian, who always went by her middle name of Ruth, was born in Matherton, Michigan, as the second child born to her parents, although she had additional siblings from her father’s previous marriage. Her hometown of Matherton is located just south of Hubbardston along the border of Clinton and Ionia Counties. However, not long after she was born, Ruth moved to Maple Rapids with her family. Ruth’s father supported his family as a handyman while her mother stayed home to care for all of her children. They were very poor while Ruth was growing up and if it had not been for Uncle Elwood and Aunt Edna, they would not have been able to experience Christmas many years. Ruth attended local schools although like so many of the youth during this generation, she only attended school through the eighth grade.

Life was forever changed for Ruth when she met the man with whom she would establish the family she treasured. His name was Alphonse Caudy, and he had just returned from serving in the Navy during WWII. One fateful day, he came into the Hitching Post Diner where Ruth worked. A bit smitten with each other, the couple dated for a time and was married on May 3, 1947, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Johns. They lived on State Street in St. in St. Johns for a few years and while there they were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Lydia. Ruth fully embraced her role as a mother and simply enjoyed spending time with her daughter. Often while Al worked, Ruth and Lydia drove around the area visiting family. For many years, they lived in a home across the street from Holy Cross Catholic Church in Lansing. After 19 years of marriage, Ruth and Al divorced, but they remained close and spent many years together until Al’s death in July of 2001.

Throughout the years, there were many things that Ruth enjoyed. She loved to cook and bake, especially at Christmastime when she was known for her popcorn balls, buckeye candies, and cookies. Ruth also loved to crochet, play euchre, and shop – often for Christmas presents all through the year. In fact, she loved Christmas and always went above and beyond to make it such a special time. Ruth and Al loved showering their grandchildren with presents for Christmas every year as their family was extremely important to both of them. She worked at Michigan State University in East Lansing for 23 years until she retired. Ruth and her dear friend, Bernice Kuchar, were world travelers who visited Europe, the Panama Canal, and traveled extensively throughout the United States.

There were so many things that made Ruth such an extraordinary woman who was deeply loved. She had a heart for children and went out of her way to be a friend to all children no matter where she was. Ruth was a friend to many, and she always had a listening ear at the ready. She was a loving mother and grandmother who loved spending her time doting over her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and more recently, her great-great-grandchild.

In whatever she was doing, Lillian “Ruth” Caudy carried herself with kindness, humility, and grace for those around her. She loved others deeply and did what she could to help those who were in need. Ruth traveled throughout the world, yet her favorite place to be was wherever she was with those she loved. She lived a rich and fulfilling life, creating precious memories that will be forever treasured by those she leaves behind. Ruth will be dearly missed.

Lillian “Ruth” Caudy died on April 20, 2010. Ruth’s family includes her daughter, Lydia (Kris Lipman) of Ionia; grandchildren, Eileen (Mark) Benbow of Lyons, MI, Jennifer (Tim) Warsop of Denver, CO and Thomas (Nika) Stewart of Marlinton, WV; great- grandchildren, Karen Stewart, Zachary and Caleb Grill, Logan Warsop and Sapphira Soul great-great-grandchild Jocelyn Bowerman; sisters, Dorothy (Bob) Prowant, Carolyn (Vincent) Geller, Martha Windsor and Mary Jane Barrett. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Alphonse on July 11, 2001, her parents, brother Milo Pecktil, and half brothers Floyd Pecktil and Lyle Foote. A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Friday, April 23, 2010 at the Osgood Funeral Home, 104 E. Cass St., St. Johns, Michigan with Pastor Charles Krueger officiating. Please visit www.lifetstorynet.com/memories/58092 where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to the charity of your choice.