Mary Ruth Shrewsbury

Mary Ruth Shrewsbury, age 95, of Holt, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly on January 12, 2023. She was born on August 18, 1927, in Dayton, TN, to Charles and Addie Hicks. Her beloved husband of 60 years, James, preceded her in death in 2011. Mary Ruth is survived by her children Janice Dodge (Joe Cleary); Gary Shrewsbury (Alisande); and Judy Dodge. She adored her grandchildren: Yvonne Gibbs Wills (Stuart); Rochelle Hosler (Jeff); Hannah Dodge; and Sherry and Sydney Shrewsbury. Adding additional joy to her life were great-grandchildren Charlie, Kennedy, and Steven Hosler; and Emmy and James Wills. She is also survived by her dearest cousin, Pat Harrison, Melbourne, FL; and long-time family friend and neighbor, Kathy Fajardo.

Mary Ruth was a 1945 graduate of Eastern High School and retired from the Michigan Department of Transportation as a secretary in 1988. She was known for her attention to detail and exemplary handwriting.

She enjoyed family reunions on Mackinac Island, still riding around the Island on the back of a tandem bike until the age of 89, and many trips to Spider Lake in Traverse City. One of her greatest adventures was a 6,000-mile car journey out West in the back of a mini-van with Jan, Judy, Yvonne, and Julie Kent. She had very fond memories of her Alaskan cruise with Jan, Yvonne, and Rochelle in 1999. The Smoky Mountains and a trip down the Blue Ridge Parkway were also special favorites.

She was a woman of deep faith, and we could count on positive results from Mom’s prayers. She was a decades-long member of Faith Bible Church in Lansing.

Mary Ruth loved her Detroit Tigers and MSU Spartans (especially women’s soccer).

Mom kept diligent track of her senior citizen children, and we will miss her loving expectations of daily check-ins and games on Words with Friends.

A special thank you to Great Lakes Christian Home in Holt for taking excellent care of Mary Ruth these past six years.

A visitation will be held 5-7:30PM on January 17th at Gorsline Runciman Tiffany Chapel, 3232 W. Saginaw Street, Lansing 48917 and at 10AM on January 18th until the time of service at the funeral home. The funeral will be held at 11AM on January 18th. A private graveside service will take place at East Lawn Memory Gardens in Okemos.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Mary Ruth’s memory to an organization of special meaning to you.