Ruth Seals

Ruth Marilyn Seals age 85, of Ashley, MI, passed away Friday, April 21, 2017, at Laurels of Carson City, Carson City, MI.

Memorial Services will be held at Alma First Presbyterian Church on May 6, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. Thomas Brackbill officiating.  Burial will take place at North Star Cemetery, North Star, MI. Visitation will be held on Friday, May 5, 2017 from 4-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes Ithaca, MI.

Ruth was born in Cambridge, MA on September 10, 1931, the daughter of Robert Wesley and Florence (Wallace) Shirley. She graduated from Sault Ste. Marie High School with the class of 1949. She attended Michigan Tech, Soo Branch and then graduated from Central Michigan University with a BA degree in teaching in 1953.  On December 28, 1955 Ruth married James Seals in Sault Ste. Marie, MI.

Ruth taught school at Cass City Public Schools, Union City Public Schools and Ashley Public Schools for a total of 31 years of teaching, retiring in 1992. She enjoyed traveling, photography, knitting and calligraphy. She also enjoyed attending sporting events of her grandchildren. Ruth was a member of the Carson City Hospital Auxiliary, she served on the board of M.A.H.A. from 1992 until 2000, and she was also a lifetime member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Ruth was a member of Alma First Presbyterian Church.

She is survived by her husband James Seals of Ashley, MI, daughter Susan and Wes DeJong of Waterford, MI, 2 sons; James and Sandy Seals of Alma, MI, Robert and Nancy Seals of Carson City, MI, grandchildren; Wade and Krista Seals, Jay and Alice Seals, Sarah and Patrick Doherty, Ashley Seals, Adam Seals, Allison Seals, Wes DeJong, and great grandson Evan Doherty. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, great grandson Liam Doherty, 2 brothers; Robert and his wife Margaret and Thomas and his wife Barbara Shirley.

Memorials may be made to Carson City Hospital Auxiliary Fund or Ruth, James & Howard Seals Scholarship Fund at Alma College.  Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, MI.