ISHPEMING, MI – Ruth E. Rogers, formerly of Ishpeming, passed away at Teal Lake Senior Living in Negaunee on December 4, 2015.
Ruth was born on February 5, 1918 to William and Jennie (Johnson) Quayle of Ishpeming. She was a 1937 graduate of the Ishpeming High School. Ruth worked as a secretary at the H.W. Gossard Company in Ishpeming.
Ruth met her future husband Clifton, at a church picnic at “Champion Beach”. They were married on January 9, 1943 at the Wesley United Methodist Church. Many children were taught by Ruth in Sunday School where she was a teacher for 14 years. She was also a plane spotter on the roof of the Marquette County Road Commission building in Ishpeming during World War II. Ruth and Clifton moved to Houghton in 1960, where they lived for 25 years. Ruth was active on many committees at Grace United Methodist Church in Houghton. Also, while in Houghton, Ruth served on the Charter Commission when Houghton became a city, was on the board for the Youth Center and helped raise money for the renovation. She tutored at a school in Lake Linden for special education. She was a member of the Portage Hospital Auxiliary and the Bell Hospital Auxiliary, member of the Order of Eastern Star, a Girl Scout leader, and one of the first organizers of the Mother’s March of Dimes. Ruth was also in the Women’s Society of both Grace and Wesley United Methodist Churches.
Ruth liked playing cards, crossword puzzles, watching softball games, traveling after retirement, and was an avid reader and Packer fan. Mostly, she loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her family was her pride and joy. She was very social and loved people and would do anything for someone else.
Ruth is survived by 2 children – Terry (Roberta) Rogers of Traverse City and Barbara (Jon) Palomaki of Ishpeming, 4 grandchildren – Tim (Olivia) Palomaki of Ishpeming, Chris (Lindsey) Rogers of Traverse City, Jennifer (Zach) Quayle of Champion, and Katy (fiance, Taylor Kloosterman) Rogers of Traverse City, 6 great-grandchildren – Fiona, Harvey, Trygg, Posey, Carson, and Sawyer. She is also survived by a sister, Agnes Peterson of Ishpeming and a brother-in-law, Keith Rogers in Wisconsin and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Clifton, and 10 brothers and sisters, Hub, Norman, Florence, Billy, Jennie, Mecca, Weenie, Bodie, Maunie, and Art.
The family would like to thank Traverse Manor in Traverse City, Brookridge Heights in Marquette, and Teal Lake Senior Living, and UP Home Health and Hospice for the excellent care that was given to Mom.
A memorial service will be held at the Wesley United Methodist Church in Ishpeming on Saturday, December 12, 2015 at 3:00 PM. with Pastor J.J. Mannschreck to officiate. Interment will take place at the Wesley United Methodist Church Memorial Garden. The family will greet visitors from 2:00 PM Saturday until the time of service. There will be a light lunch following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Wesley United Methodist Church Memorial Fund.
The Swanson-Lundquist Funeral Home is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at swansonlundquistfuneralhome.com.