Ruth Woodruff

Family was clearly the center of Ruth Woodruff's life. She defined the meaning of love in the hearts of those closest to her as a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, dear sister, and dedicated friend. Most of all, Ruth was a woman of faith who was exceedingly blessed by the family chosen especially for her to love.

The year 1945 marked many changes in the history of America. The slinky made its debut to the delight of children everywhere, and radios were tuned to the likes of Bing Crosby, Perry Como, and the Andrews Sisters. However, it was the victorious end to World War II which brought joy and celebration the world over. As young servicemen returned home and married their sweethearts, the age of the "baby boom" was officially launched. In the small village of Muir, Michigan, Lester and Dorothy (Guild) Harrington had even more reason to celebrate as they welcomed the birth of their daughter, Ruth, on July 4, 1945.

The second of eventually four children, Ruth grew up alongside her siblings, Patricia, Raymond, and Lester. The Harrington's were a close family, and made their home in the village of Ovid where Ruth lived throughout most of her life. As a child she played outdoors most often with her sister and brothers, and found her share of mischievous adventure, too. She was a stubborn young girl, but always made friends easily with her fun-loving spirit, talkative nature, and warm, beautiful smile.

Ruth attended Ovid Elementary School. During her youth, she participated as a Bluebird in the Camp Fire Girls' of America program. She liked school, and sang in the choir before graduating in 1964 from Ovid High School. While in high school, Ruth often babysat, and while babysitting one night, she met the young man of her dreams. Eugene "Gene" Woodruff was the older cousin to the child she watching, and even though he was five years older than Ruth, they hit it off remarkably well.

They enjoyed their first date attending church together. When he asked her out again and she agreed, it was the beginning of many wonderful years together. They dated for nearly a year, and on May 8, 1965, Ruth and Gene became husband and wife. Shortly after marrying, they packed up their belongings and headed to Texas where Gene took a job. Endlessly homesick, a few short months later they returned home to Michigan and soon began a family of their own.

Ruth was the loving and proud mother of five great children. Wayne was their firstborn, followed by Stacy, twins Karen and Kathy, then Rachel. Ruth revolved her world around her children. They raised their family in a faith-filled home as members of the First Church of God of Owosso. With her strong faith, it was important to Ruth to have Sunday dinners together at home after church. She was a great cook, and baked delicious treats for her family to enjoy. Always supportive in her children's numerous endeavors, she took an active, involved role in their many activities. As a member of the Ovid-Elsie Band Boosters, she loved chaperoning many of their band trips which included traveling to destinations such as Hawaii, Florida, and California.

When Ruth and Gene lost their only son in a tragic car accident in 1985, it challenged everything they believed in. Yet through their steadfast faith, they clung to the promises of that very faith. Understandably, Ruth's heart was missing a vital piece to the world she had built her life upon. She became quite strict with her other children due to Wayne's untimely death, and worried endlessly. She had a need to know where they were, but more importantly, if they were safe. When her youngest, Rachel began kindergarten, Ruth went from being a stay-at-home mother to working as a cook in the cafeteria at her alma mater, Ovid High School where she eventually retired in 2000.

In the winter of 2002, Ruth and Gene began heading south for the cold months of winter. She enjoyed playing bingo and cards with her friends in Florida. While there, she and Gene discovered Sonic Drive-Thru restaurants and loved going there daily for a cold drink. Ruth was an active member of The Red Hat Society as well as the Ovid Fire Department Auxiliary. At one point, she led a campaign for Cystic Fibrosis.

This past winter was the last Ruth and Gene planned on wintering in Florida. Her health was declining, so they thought it best to pack up and headed for the long drive back home to Michigan. When they arrived home on Sunday afternoon, April 29, 2012, Ruth wasn't feeling well, and Gene took her to the hospital. Sadly, Ruth later died quite suddenly.

For 66 years, Ruth loved completely and fully. In all she did, she kept her faith and family at the center most part of her life and heart. Deeply missed, she will be forever held close in the hearts of those she loved and cared for.

Ruth is survived by her husband of nearly 47 years, Gene; daughters: Stacy Woodruff, Karen (Joe Ranger) Crambell, Kathy (Joe Maurice) Woodruff, and Rachel (Randy Perrien) Sutliff; eight grandchildren; her sister, Patricia Harrington; and brothers, Raymond (Sandi) Harrington and Lester (Beth) Harrington. She was preceded in death by her parents and son, Wayne Woodruff.

Funeral Services for Ruth will be Friday, May, 2012, 11:00 AM at the Houghton Chapel of the Osgood Funeral Homes in Ovid with Pastor Ed Schweikert officiating. Her family will receive friends Thursday from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made in Ruth’s name to the American Cancer Society or the First Church of God of Owosso. To share a favorite memory and photo of Ruth and to sign her online guest book, please visit www.lifestorynet.com.