Ruth Ann (Haruska) Steffen

     Ruth Ann Steffen, age 72, of Brant, MI, passed away Sunday, June 5, 2022, at her home.

     Ruth was born in St. Johns, Michigan on June 14, 1949, the daughter Charles Carl and Ruth Josephine (Holmes) Haruska. Ruth graduated from Ashley High School with the class of 1967.  Ruth married Richard Dewaine Steffen on July 1, 1967 at the Ashley Pilgrim Holiness Church. They enjoyed 54 years together. She was the love of his life.

    She made sure that the house was always taken care of during their years together. Ruth loved her family very much.  Ruth was the matriarch of the family.  Many nieces and nephews looked up to her as a mother figure. They had a very special relationship.  She loved to cook and everyone especially liked her potato soup and homemade dumplings.  On the weekends with family, they had endless card games.

     Ruth was the librarian for Ashley Public Schools/District Library for 37 years.  She touched many lives during her years at the school. She loved to help the children out and had a great sense of humor and was always ready to not just help the kids, but she was someone they could talk to in confidence. 

    She is survived by her husband Richard; her children: Richard Charles "Ricky"(Trina) Steffen of Ashley, MI; Cindy Jean (Jeff) Kocur of Hemlock, MI; granddaughter Kali Ann Steffen; great-granddaughter Paislee; brother Walter Terry (Kathy) Haruska; sisters-in-law Barbara Haruska and Annette McNalley.  She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded by her parents, five sisters: Virginia (Frank) Brzak, Eva Marie Haruska, Janet Kay Howes, Judith Elaine (Bill) Hesse, and Peggy Renee Haruska; and a brother John Haruska.

    Memorials can be made to: Peter's Sunny Day Foundation 12741 Osprey's Way DeWitt, MI 48820.   Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, Michigan.