Obituary of Ruth Alice Engels
Ruth Alice Engels, age 92, of Vassar Township, went to her Heavenly home on Friday, November 16, 2018, in Ascension St. Mary's Hospital in Saginaw. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, November 20, 2018, at 11:00 am at the Millington Church of the Nazarene, 8692 State Rd. Millington, Michigan. Pastor David Richey, Pastor Dawn Richey, and Pastor Eric Slade officiating with burial to follow at Riverside Cemetery in Vassar. Ruth's family will be present to receive friends at the Martin Funeral Home in Vassar on Monday from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm. On Tuesday morning, Ruth will be taken to the church to lie in state from 10:00 am until the time of the service at 11:00 am. Those desiring may consider memorial contributions to the Millington Church of The Nazarene. Envelopes are available at the funeral home and church.
Ruth was born on April 14, 1926, in Vassar Township, the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Frederick and Julia (Elliott) Welsh. She attended LeFevre School; graduating from the Vassar School District. Ruth married the love of her life, John Engels on June 20, 1947, in Vassar. She worked for Welsh Industries for many years until retiring. She loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and was a long-time member of the Millington Church of The Nazarene. Ruth volunteered in many capacities at church including teaching Sunday school. She also loved spending time with her family and was very proud of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. In her free time, Ruth enjoyed oil painting, ceramics, and collecting dolls. For many Christmases, a porcelain doll was made for each granddaughter. She was also an accomplished quilter-making a quilt for each of her grandchildren's weddings. She was a former member of the Cass River Quilters, and the International Royal Doulton Club. She also enjoyed crocheting, gardening, and her flowers. She spent countless hours baking and decorating dozens of Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving cookies; which had become works of art for all the children and grandchildren to take home after a visit.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 71 years, John; three children: David and wife, Bonnie Engels, John and wife Mary Engels, and Susan and husband, Eric Kern; daughter-in-law, Valerie Engels; 10 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Haines; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, son Paul, brother Frederick, and three sisters: Gwendolyn, Margaret, and Betty.