Ruth Elizabeth U’Ren
Ruth Elizabeth (Line) U’Ren, a longtime Fowlerville resident, went home to heaven on March 22, 2018. She was born on Oct. 29, 1931. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Kenneth (Bill) U’Ren. Also surviving are her children: Anna (Ron) Carter, Brian (Mary) U’Ren, and Chuck U’Ren; her grandchildren: Joshua, Rachael (Dan), Jason (Brittany), Brittany (PR), Jordan, Brianna, Jacob, Matthew (Amanda), Ryan and Caitlin (Adam) and her great grandchildren: James, Philip, Kinsley, Alexis, Olivia, Parker, Jaxson, and Abel. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents: Lester and Florence Line; sisters: Anna Line and Dora (Loren) Tuthill; her baby daughter: Debra Kay U-Ren; and her grandmother: Bertha Line, who raised her with Lester after Florence passed away when Ruth was two months old. Ruth took care of Bertha during Bertha’s last ten years of life until she passed away at the age of 102.
Ruth worked at Citizens Insurance in Howell after graduating from Fowlerville High School. Bill and Ruth were married on April 27, 1957 and after that she stayed home to raise their children. Along with doing that, she managed the books for Bill’s business and worked part-time cleaning room for her in-laws.
When her children were older, she went to work for Dr. Kellams. She started off cleaning his office and clinic and then became the front office receptionist, holding that position until Dr. Kellams retired. She then took on the role of school crossing guard for Fowlerville Schools at the corner of Grand River and Hibbard Street. She loved the kids and was there regardless of rain, snow, or heat. She enjoyed this position until it was no longer available. Ruth finished her career doing what she loved, working with kids as a lunch and playground monitor until she retired.
Ruth volunteered for 25 years at the Fowlerville United Methodist Church as the Sunday School treasurer. Both Ruth and Bill spent time at church functions and also helped out at various activities, ranging from working at the fairground concession stand to serving meals at church. Ruth loved the Lord and serving people. Both of them continued to serve until their health became an issue and prevented them from actively serving. They loved the people and pastors at the church—past and present.
They were also involved for several years with the Fowlerville Senior Citizens Center.
After health issues required them to move from Fowlerville, both Bill and Ruth resided at the Willows of East Lansing. After settling in, they volunteered to go around with welcome packets for new residents. They came to enjoy and love the people at the Willows—including the residents, the nurses and aides, the therapists, and the administrative staff. Ruth loved people, especially children. Over the years, she stayed in touch with family and friends with letters and cards. She loved to visit with people. Ruth would light up when the little kids came around, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Her many hobbies included reading, bingo, playing cards, and socializing with people
Her family would like to thank the staff of the Willows who loved and cared for Ruth during her stay there as well as Great Lakes Caring hospice who made the end of Ruth’s journey in this world loving and peaceful for her and her family.
Funeral services were held on Monday, March 26, at noon at the Herrmann Funeral Home in Fowlerville, with Pastor Thomas Tarpley officiating. Visitation took place from 9 a.m. to noon prior to the services. Arrangements were handled by Herrmann Funeral Home.
Please leave the family a condolence at
pjherrmannfuneralhome.com
