Ruth Wilkinson, 91, of Paw Paw, passed away peacefully surrounded by family, Thursday, June 13, 2024, at her home in Paw Paw. She was born June 30, 1932, in Chicago, the daughter of Leroy Renwick and Nelle (Lutz) Renwick.
Ruth graduated from Loretto Academy in Chicago. She then earned her bachelor’s degree in chemistry and physics from Mount Mary College, Milwaukee, WI, in 1954, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Ruth wasn’t done there though. In 1966, she earned her master’s degree in mathematics from Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo. She taught at Hartford, Mattawan and Paw Paw high schools and Paw Paw Community Ed for a time.
Ruth was a very talented seamstress and taught her daughters how to sew. She also possessed great skill for the piano. Ruth loved to be involved in her community and was a member of many organizations throughout town. She was the treasurer of Lake View Hospital Auxiliary, a member of the St. Mary’s Church finance committee, Eagle Lake Paw Paw Association, a Girl and Boy Scout Leader and donated 10 gallons of blood for the American Red Cross.
On Oct. 29, 1955, in Hartford, she married Glen “Bob” Robert Wilkinson, who preceded her in death June 28, 2003.
She is survived by her five daughters, Tina (Craig) Ernsberger of Paw Paw, Teri Boudreau of Rio Rico, AZ, Tami (Scott) Hickmott of Paw Paw, Mary (Mike) Miller, and Ann (Troy) Schultz; son, Glen Wilkinson, III of Middleville, MI; brother, Tom (Sheila) Wright; 14 grandchildren, Daniel Ernsberger, Sandra (Carson Leh) Ernsberger, Nicole (Ron Courtney) Miller, David (Alyssa) Miller, Leif (Liz Burch) Eggert, Mike (Megan Moore) Hickmott, Jessica (John) Davis, Melissa (Chuck) Rose, Frank (Tammy) Miller, Ariana Schultz, Braden Schultz, Carson Schultz, Jaci (Aaron) Munn, and Dylan Fischer.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brother, Ronald (Lois) Renwick.
Mass of Christian burial was held Wednesday, June 19, at Saint Mary Catholic Church, Paw Paw. Interment followed at Saint Mary Cemetery, Paw Paw.
Memorial contributions may be directed to St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Centrica Care Navigators, 7100 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, MI, 49009 or the Decatur VFW Roof Fund, 560 Phelps Street, Decatur, MI 49045.
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