Obituary of William Ruth

William A. Ruth 84 yrs of Clio Rd, Clio, MI died Friday, December 19, 2008 at Medilodge of Montrose . The funeral mass will be 10:00am Monday, December 22, 2008 at All Saints Catholic Church. The family will receive friends at the Miles Martin Funeral Home in Mt. Morris on Sunday from 2:00pm until 8:00pm. Family friends and parish will gather on Sunday evening at 7:00pm to pray the Rosary. Born March 28, 1924 in Indianapolis, In., he was the son of the late Milford and Susan Ruth. William lived most of his life in the Flint area. He was a graduate of Flint Central High School. He served in the US army in World War II, earning 3 Battle Stars and a mention in the King's Dispatches. He received his BA in Forestry and Masters Degree from Michigan State University. He was employed by the City of Flint as its city forester and, then the Assistant Superintendent for the Flint Parks and Recreation Department. After retiring from the city in 1980, he became a consulting Arborist in the state and was locally and nationally recognized for his work in his profession of trees. He spent his formal retirement, playing handball at the ymca and tending his grapes and trees in Clio. He was a long time parishioner and lector at All SaintsAaa Catholic Church, was a member of the Knights of Columbus and served on many boards throughout his life and was a member of various professional associations. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Hedy Ann (Gwizdz) Ruth, whom he married May 5, 1962 in All SaintsAaa Parish; one son, Thomas J. Ruth and wife Michelle of Flint, MI; one daughter, Jennifer (Ruth) Durski and husband, Daniel of Cascade, MD; one sister, Elizabeth Bauer of Flint, MI; one brother, James Ruth of New York; and eight beloved grandchildren and many loving extended family members. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Charles Ruth and sister, Suzanne Smith.