Ruth Joan Butterfield

12/17/1929 to 11/23/2011

A private memorial gathering will be held at a future date. Contact the daughters to be kept informed by signing the Guest Book here at www.hillfh.com.

Born Ruth Joan Vollbrecht in Highland Park, Michigan on December 17, 1929, she died peacefully in her sleep at the age of 81 on November 23, 2011 at Clare Bridge of Grand Blanc. Ruth is predeceased by her parents, Anna and Albert Vollbrecht, sisters Imogene Vollbrecht and Doris Zeile (Richard) and brother Howard Vollbrecht. She is survived by daughters Gloria Cruice, PhD (Terry) of Troy, MI; Virginia “Ginger” Shafer, Major, USAF Ret., MPA (Jack) of Corona de Tucson, AZ; and Crystal Yachcik, MA/COMS (James Webber) of Grand Blanc, MI; grandchildren Amy Cruice (Peter Cimbolic) of Baltimore, MD, Angela Vaden-Cruice (Jonathan Vaden) of Attica, MI, Jack Shafer, Jr. and Gennifer Shafer of Corona de Tucson, AZ, Marcy Cruice of Chicago, IL, Tyler Yachcik and Forrest Yachcik of Grand Blanc, MI; great grandchildren Lily Vaden-Cruice, Maximus Cartwright, and Cassius Vaden; sister-in-law Dorothy Vollbrecht; nephew the Rev. Dr. Richard Zeile (Barb); nieces Karen West (Bob), Laura Zeile, Lisa Zimmerman, Maria Ciccone (Craig); and numerous grand nieces and nephews.

Ruth graduated from Highland Park High School in 1948 and was instrumental in planning their 45th, 50th, and 55th Class Reunions. She received her Associates Degree in Nursing from Henry Ford Community College in Dearborn, Michigan in 1964 and became a Registered Nurse. Ruth started her 28 year career at Saint Joseph Mercy Hospital in Pontiac, Michigan in 1967.

Please send memorials to one of the following charities of Ruth’s choice: Grace Centers of Hope (formerly Pontiac Rescue Mission), Lighthouse of Oakland County PATH Program, or Haven of Oakland County. Contact the funeral home for more details on how to donate.

Please take a moment to sign the Guest Book.

Ruth Butterfield Charities for Memorial Offerings

Grace Centers of Hope

(Formerly Pontiac Rescue Mission)

Attn: Development Department

35 East Huron Street

Pontiac, MI 48342

248.334.8415

Grace Centers of Hope is a non-profit Christian organization committed to positively changing the lives of the homeless, addicted and unwanted through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, personal accountability, life skills education and work-related programs. The foundation of change is the local church which encourages residents to become strong in faith and independence while it lovingly promotes a sense of belonging within a community that truly can be called "home."

Lighthouse of Oakland County

PATH Program

PO Box 430508

Pontiac, MI 48343-0508

248.335.1950

At PATH, homeless women and children live in a safe, nurturing environment for two years. During those 24 months, they are given the time and necessary training to make the triumphant transformation from poverty to self-sufficiency.

Haven of Oakland County

Mailing Address:

PO Box 431045

Pontiac, MI 48343-1045

248.334.1284

What Is Our Mission?

To eliminate domestic violence and sexual assault across Oakland County and the surrounding communities through treatment and prevention services.

How Will We Reach Our Goal?

By providing direct services to any child, adult or family experiencing domestic violence and/or sexual assault.

By providing direct intervention services to perpetrators of domestic violence in order to prevent future occurrences.

By providing prevention education services aimed at helping to eliminate domestic violence and sexual assault.

By having a positive impact on community efforts related to domestic violence and sexual assault.