She was born to Clarence and Frances Douglas on March 15, 1942 and graduated from Webberville High School in 1961 as valedictorian of her class. She married the love of her life, Kenneth, on June 20, 1964 and spent the next 59 years as the rock of her family.
Prior to her marriage, Ruth Ann attended Lansing Business College and worked for the State of Michigan. After her daughters, Tammy and Kelly, both started school, Ruth Ann started volunteering at Webberville Schools. That volunteer work turned into employment and she finally retired from Webberville Schools in 2004 after 32 years of service.
It was no secret that Ruth Ann loved her family and loved cooking for her family. Her kitchen was the source of many, many home cooked meals for anyone and everyone. The grandkid’s favorites were french toast, homemade pizza and Christmas Eve smorgasbord.
Ruth Ann and Ken spent a lot of time camping, especially after they both retired and became seasonal campers in Harrison. Many happy family memories were made camping at state parks all over Michigan as Tammy and Kelly were growing up. Although Ruth Ann didn’t care for water, she was a good sport about canoe trips and being designated as the best “spotter” for those water skiing.
Ruth Ann became passionate about card making and spent a lot of time happily making cards for every occasion. She was also known to volunteer to make cards for others to give away or make bundles of cards to give away for silent auctions.
Ruth Ann is survived by her husband, Kenneth; her two daughters Tammy (Steve) Grossbauer, Kelly (Mark) Zemla; 11 grandchildren – Steven Grossbauer, John Grossbauer, Justin Pierce, Jennifer Brooke, Joe Pierce, Nolan Grossbauer, William Zemla, Emma Grossbauer, Madison Zemla, Logan Pierce and Brady Pierce; 4 great grandchildren – Jaxon Mahon, Ben Mahon, Anderson Pierce and Sophia Zemla; and her brother, Walter Douglas. She was predeceased by her parents, Clarence and Frances Douglas, her sister Marian Allen and her brothers Michael and David Douglas.
A visitation for Ruth will be held Wednesday, July 26, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 205 East Middle Street, Williamston, MI 48895. A memorial service will occur Thursday, July 27, 2023 at 11:00 AM with a visitation one hour prior at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 205 East Middle Street, Williamston, MI 48895. Donations in Ruth Ann’s memory can be made to Webberville Music Program c/o Webberville Community Schools.
