Ruth Weiss
March 19, 1921 - October 30, 2014
Obituary
Ruth Eileen Weiss of Saginaw, Michigan passed away on Thursday, October 30, 2014 at Cartwright Hospice Residence, surrounded by her loving family. She was 93 years old. Ruth was born on March 19, 1921 to the late Roy and Clara (Phillips) Phoenix. Ruth married Clyde Fielder in 1941; he predeceased her in 1993. She then married Robert Weiss in 1998; he predeceased her in 2010. Ruth graduated from Saginaw High School and went on to further her education at Alma College for an additional two years. She was employed by her father's insurance agency, The Phoenix Insurance Agency. Ruth's grandfather, George Phoenix, was the original owner of The Phoenix Insurance Agency, a former Mayor of Saginaw, and a founder of the Children's Zoo at Celebration Square. Later, she worked in the Saginaw Township office before retiring from the Saginaw County Controllers Office. Ruth was a lifelong member of Warren Avenue Presbyterian Church where she served for 75 years in a variety of ministries including Elder, Deacon, and member of the Presbyterian Women's Circle. She was also committed to serving her community and volunteered her time with Meals on Wheels, Delta College TV 19, Saginaw Valley Concert Association, Saginaw County Retiree Lunch Bunch Group, Wescourt Kitchen Band, the Great Lakes Lighthouse Keeper's Association, Charter Member Insurance Women of Saginaw, READ Program, and the Valley Rhythm Cloggers. Ruth held a board member position with the Eastside Soup Kitchen, and acted as secretary and treasurer of the Green Acres Merchant Association. She was an avid bicycler for 75 years and was affectionately called "Bicycle Ruth". Ruth is survived by her nephew, William (Xenny) Johnson Jr. of Freeland; niece, Susan Johnson Benaway (Ken Lambert) of Saginaw; step-son, John Fielder of Roseville, CA; grandnieces and grandnephew: Jennifer Prewitt, Kristy Schou, Heather Babcock, Christopher Johnson, and Keeli Johnson. She was preceded in death by her sister, Thelma Phoenix Johnson in 1977. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staffs at Wescourt and Cartwright Center for their care of Ruth during her last days. FUNERAL: Funeral Service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 3, 2014 at Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State). Rev. James T. Williams will officiate. Private entombment will take place later at Oakwood Mausoleum. VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit at the funeral home on Monday, November 3, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Children's Zoo at Celebration Square or the Warren Avenue Presbyterian Church. Please share your thoughts and memories at the funeral home or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com
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Memories
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Eric and Lisa De Vos
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Ruth was my neighbor, living right across the street for more than 20 years. She was a real gem. A bright, shining gem. There has never been a sweeter, kinder, gentler human being, nor any with a stronger faith.
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Kari
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I have had the privilege of knowing Ruth for 35 years. We have many fabulous times together from the onset of our friendship on our bicycles, to our most recent moment just before her passing. I will miss the sound of delight in her voice when she accepted my phone calls, her thorough stories during our visits, and her kind heart always extended to others.
Knowing her has been an honor, an honor that can only be properly returned to her by keeping the memory of her alive. To that, I promise I will do my part.
Kari