of Chelsea, Michigan, a former long-term resident of Sharon Township, age 67, passed away Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at Henry Ford Hospice in Jackson. She was born July 31, 1955, in Jackson, Michigan, the daughter of Norman E. and Paula (Hefele) Curtis.
Ruth graduated from Manchester High School. She then earned her LPN from Eastern Michigan University and her RN from Ferris State University. Ruth worked diligently throughout her life as a float nurse and had a passion for working with children in psychiatric units. She also had a deep admiration for the outdoors and all animals.
Ruth raised sheep for many years, taking them to county and state fairs to compete in various competitions. She won numerous awards for her sheep and their wool, including Grand Champion in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, to name a few. If you got her talking about sheep, she could talk for hours. Ruth was a member of the American Corriedale Association, participated with 4-H; and was a member of the Red Hat Society in Chelsea. Faith was important to Ruth. She loved coordinating ice cream socials at Zion Lutheran Church in Chelsea, where she was also a member. Ruth enjoyed being outdoors, working in her garden. She had fond memories growing up spending time in her mother’s garden and fruit trees.
Ruth is survived by her mother, Paula Curtis of Jackson; twin sister, Monica (Gary) Walter of Grass Lake; niece and nephew, Abby Briggs and John (Marianne) Walter; very special great-nieces, Sophie Briggs and Alexis ”Lexie” Walter; and dear cousins, Shelley, Carol and Kitty. She was preceded in death by her father.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” -2 Timothy 4:7
A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 19, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Chelsea, with Pastor Kurt Hutchens officiating, with a luncheon to follow. The family will receive friends at the church prior to the service at 10:00 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Zion Lutheran Church, 3050 S. Fletcher Rd., Chelsea, MI 48118 or to C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, 1340 E. Hospital Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48189.
Click here to watch the video of Ruth's memorial service
You may use the form below to share a memory or leave a public message for Ruth's family. Please allow 24 hours for us to review and post your comment.
Comments
I was one of many who were so lucky to have known Ruthie for many years having gone through school & graduating with her (&you).I have fond memories of spending the night with you two a very long time ago... Ruthie fought a hard battle. She now is with the angels and will forever be in our hearts... xxoo