Irene Barbara Ruzicka

Irene Barbara Ruzicka (nee, Anderko) left the family that loved her on May 13, 2013. She was born in Red Lodge, Montana on February 19, 1923, but lived most of her life in Michigan. On August 18, 1945 she married William F. Ruzicka at a military wedding in Banana River, Florida, and he survives her. Irene received her BBA from the University of Michigan in 1945, and later received her MFA from Eastern Michigan University. She was an accomplished artist in drawing, painting & graphic design. Some of her paintings are in the homes of local residents and several major businesses in southeastern Michigan. Irene was a member of the Ann Arbor Art Association, the Ann Arbor Women Painters, The Michigan Watercolor Society, & a lifelong member of the Ann Arbor City Club. In addition to her husband, she is survived by two daughters, Deborah Ruzicka of Ann Arbor, Michigan and Pamela (Ruzicka) Dehne of Austin, Texas, her sister, Helen Anderko, and 4 wonderful grandchildren (Thomas Bisbee, Camille Dehne, Kristian Dehne, and Isabelle Dehne) who will miss her loving touch and gentle soul. She was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and Mary Anderko, her sister, Mary Jane Anderko, and an infant brother. The many beautiful paintings and drawings that she left us provide us with daily delight in their color, design and joyful representation of the real and surreal world that we live in. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Huron Valley Humane or the charity of your choice. A viewing will be held on Friday, May 17, 2013 at Meuhlig Funeral Chapel from 4-8PM. Family and friends will gather at the funeral chapel on Saturday, May 18 at 9AM for the funeral procession to Forest Hill Cemetery for a 10AM graveside service. Please visit www.muehligannarbor.com to leave the family your condolences.