Elizabeth Ruvolo

One of the things that Elizabeth Ruvolo was most known for was her strength coupled with her graceful spirit. She treasured her family throughout her entire life and found such joy in the countless pictures she kept that captured each precious moment in time. Liz loved the holidays, too, as they were the perfect time to let others know how deeply they were loved. She made the most of each day she was given, even as the storm clouds turned her skies to grey. Liz was a woman of faith who fearlessly engaged in the fight for her life – a fight that has now brought her to her eternal home.

The year 1943 was a year in which our nation was deeply entrenched in WWII, both overseas and at home. Many of our young men were serving in the fight for the preservation of freedom while back home people were dealing with rationing on several goods and planting victory gardens to help meet the demand for food. This was a memorable year in the family of Edward and Dorothy (Bloss) DeGeer for a much different reason. On October 14th of that year, they were pleased to announce the birth of their daughter, Elizabeth, in Flint, Michigan. Liz, as she was most commonly called, was the third of six children in her family, which included sisters Barbara, Pat, and Jackie, and brothers David and Edward. Liz’s parents both worked at the Federal-Mogul plant in St. Johns and then when Liz was four, their family moved to St. Johns.

Life was difficult for the DeGeer family at times since money was tight, but they shared close relationships with one another and enjoyed spending time together, too. Liz was quiet and shy, and she liked playing outside. Two of her favorite things to do as a young girl were ice skating on the outdoor rink at St. Johns Park and going for ice cream at the Sugar Bowl downtown. Liz attended East Ward Elementary School, Central School during junior high, and Rodney B. Wilson High School, all located in St. Johns. It was during her formative years that Liz established a strong work ethic, which was apparent in the grades she earned. As a high school student Liz enjoyed going to sock hops and was quite the social butterfly.

After graduating from high school in 1962, Liz was ready to embark on the next phase of her life’s journey. She left St. Johns in 1963, bound for boot camp in Bainbridge, Maryland, as a new Navy recruit. After completing Yeoman school, Liz was stationed in Long Beach, California. While there, she met the young man with whom she would share an abiding love. His name was Ronald Ruvolo, and he was also stationed there. After dating for a time, the couple found themselves deeply in love and was married on June 27, 1964, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Not long after they became husband and wife, Liz and Ron found out that they were expecting their first child. They were blessed with two wonderful daughters, Marie and Dottie, whom they both adored. Liz was honorably discharged from the military, and their family moved around quite a bit while Ron was still in the Navy including to San Diego and Hawaii just to name a few.

Once Ron retired from the military in 1976, they moved to St. Johns in order to be near Liz’s family. She became a member of the First Baptist Church of St. Johns and also worked as a librarian at the Briggs Public Library. Liz and Ron very much enjoyed going to the family cabin in Harrison, Michigan, about 40 miles south of Grayling. When they weren’t at the cabin, both Liz and Ron enjoyed being at home.

Throughout her life, Liz pursued some interests that she truly enjoyed. She loved spending time with her family more than anything else, especially around the holidays. Liz also enjoyed bowling, and Wal-Mart was her favorite place to shop. When relaxing in front of the television, she liked watching Survivor, Dancing with the Stars, and various soap operas. Later in life, Liz found that she really enjoyed cooking, and she was quite good at it, too.

Life dealt Liz some difficult blows in more recent years. She was deeply saddened with Ron’s death in 2004 after he struggled with numerous extended illnesses. Trying times again faced Liz after being diagnosed with cancer in September of 2008. The days that followed were a constant struggle and simply too much for her body to handle. Liz’s cancer diagnosis was the beginning of a decline in her overall health, especially in 2009. Eventually, her body was unable to fight any longer and Liz drew her last breath while surrounded by her family, holding her granddaughter Jessica’s hand.

No matter where Elizabeth Ruvolo called home, she delighted in spending time with the family she loved more than anything else. She was intelligent and hard-working, yet found time to enjoy life, too. Liz could be stubborn at times, but it was this same passion that was the driving force behind her tremendous strength. She was a remarkable woman who leaves behind countless precious memories that will be forever cherished by those she leaves behind.

Elizabeth S. Ruvolo of St. Johns died Thursday, February 25, 2010 after a brave battle with cancer. Liz’s family includes her daughters, Marie Kessel and Dottie (Gary) Green, both of St. Johns; grandchildren, Jessica Ball, Katie and Kayla Beracy, and Stephanie Green; great grandson, Braden Ball; sisters, Barbara (Don) Richmond, Pat Barrett, Jackie (Phil) Stonecipher; brother, David (Judy) DeGeer; sister-in-law, Janice DeGeer; many nieces, nephews, and special friends at Suntree Apartments. Liz was preceded in death by her husband Ronald, her parents, brother, Edward DeGeer, and brother-in-law, Max Barrett. Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, March 1, 2010 at First Baptist Church of St. Johns with Pastor Tim Knaus officiating. A Military Graveside will follow at Mt. Rest Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday at Osgood Funeral Home in St. Johns. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, or sign the online guestbook.