Ruth Oberlin

Although one of the things that Ruth Oberlin was best known for throughout her life was her strong work ethic, what she will be remembered for most was the love that was always more than plentiful throughout every aspect of her life. Ruth deeply loved her family, her friends, and the grandchildren that she viewed as her greatest blessing. She was a woman of faith who was comfortable in her own skin, and as the storms of life would at times blow her way, she faced each challenge with strength, perseverance, and grace. In so many ways, Ruth was a ray of sunshine who brought light and life to all those within her reach.

The year 1918 was a difficult year worldwide as WWI raged on overseas, and the flu pandemic spread to nearly every part of the world. By the end of the pandemic in June of 1920, 50 to 100 million people had fallen victim to the disease. In Mancelona, Michigan, John Roy and Grace (Thorne) Hart were able to celebrate the birth of their daughter, Ruth, on November 1, 1918. Ruth joined older siblings Millard, Wilbur, Paul, and Mae in her family, but the joy the Hart family had been feeling was sadly short-lived. Tragedy struck with the death of Ruth’s mother just days after Ruth’s birth as she herself became a victim of the flu. Her father then took Ruth to Weidman, Michigan, to be raised by foster parents Calistre and William Russell.

The thirties were times that were cloaked in hardship for many American families as the Great Depression hampered our nation throughout the entire decade. Young people often did whatever they could do to help, and Ruth was no exception. She worked hard throughout her years in school cleaning desks and hauling coal. Ruth also walked along the railroad tracks and picked up coal to take home for her family to use, and she only had one dress to wear to school. While she was in high school, she worked in a local bakery to bring in some extra money as well. It was also during her formative years that Ruth established the faith that became such a vital part of her life throughout her many years. She was also very talented both vocally and in drama as she often sang solos in church, and landed the lead in some of her school plays.

Of great significance during Ruth’s teen years, was her introduction to a young man who was 13 years her senior. His name was Clare Oberlin, yet because Ruth was only 12 at the time, Clare knew he needed to be patient until Ruth was a bit older. He did indeed wait until Ruth was 18, and then after their relationship blossomed into true love, they were married on October 31, 1937, just one day before Ruth turned 19. It wasn’t long before the couple was blessed with their first of three children, their son Richard who was soon followed by their daughter Virgene. Ruth and Clare’s first two children were born in Weidman and then their family later moved to Holt. Their third child, Sharon, was born in Lansing and was taken home to 553 East Sheridan Rd. where the Oberlin family resided for 65 years. Ruth and Clare raised their family in a small two bedroom home where they also raised chickens and had 70 rabbits!

One of the things that made Ruth so unique was her spirit of independence and her willingness to work hard. She was very self sufficient – she was an avid gardener and canned everything. She worked at various jobs too including as a telemarketer from home, cleaning motels, and she also worked as a caterer for a time. Ruth even cleaned a family’s home in East Lansing for over 20 years.

Although Ruth spent much of her time caring for her family and working throughout her life, she enjoyed having fun too, and often pursued a number of interests that she enjoyed. Ruth and Clare liked traveling to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to visit relatives - taking the ferry before the Mackinac Bridge was opened on Ruth’s birthday in 1957. Every May, the couple would move into their mobile home in Weidman until the snow started, at which time they moved back to Lansing. Their times in Weidman were always filled with fun as they loved entertaining their friends, often playing cards. In fact, Ruth loved playing cards, especially Rummy and Skip-Bo, and she was a talented crafter who had an extensive collection of cardinal figurines. When watching television, Ruth enjoyed Wheel of Fortune and Lawrence Welk.

Life became more difficult for Ruth when her beloved Clare died in 2004 after 67 years of marriage. Not only was she deeply saddened by Clare’s death, but when her own macular degeneration progressed to the point where she could no longer read or do crafts, Ruth was completely devastated. Ruth moved to her daughter Virgene’s home in Portage on her birthday in 2008 where she was able to receive the tender care that her health had come to require.

Ruth Oberlin was a delightful woman in so many ways. She was not adventurous and didn’t like to do anything out of the ordinary, yet she found comfort and joy within the presence of her family and friends. Ruth worked hard throughout her life and was proud of everything she owned, appreciating the people, experiences, and things she was blessed with each and every day. She enjoyed a loving and fulfilling marriage for more than 60 years with the love of her life, and the generations that became of their love story were her greatest joys in life. Ruth will be dearly missed and warmly remembered by those she leaves behind.

Ruth Oberlin formerly of Lansing died Sunday, September 13, 2009 at the home of her daughter Virgene Price in Portage. Besides her daughter Virgene, members of Ruth’s family include her son Richard (Carol) Oberlin of Lansing, nine grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Ruth was also preceded in death by her husband Clare, her daughter Sharon Johnson, three brothers, and one sister. Visit with Ruth’s family and friends Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home Portage 5975 Lovers Lane (344-5600). Funeral services will be held Wed. 11 a.m. at St. Michael Lutheran Church with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photograph, sign her guestbook online before coming to the funeral home and, in lieu of flowers, make a memorial donation to Pennway Church of God in Lansing, St. Michael Lutheran Church in Kalamazoo, Covenant Senior Day Care in Kalamazoo, or Hospice Care of SW Michigan.