Ruppel, Mary M.

Saginaw, Michigan

Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and dear friend passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 31, 2026 at Covenant HealthCare – Harrison, surrounded by the love of her family. She was 85 years old. Mary Martha Dutton was born on May 20, 1941 in Saginaw to Rowland E. and Ruth (Trommer) Dutton. Mary graduated from Arthur Hill High School in 1959. She then attended Bay City Junior College. During the summer she worked for McDonald Dairy where she met Robert F. “Bob” Ruppel at a summer work party. It was at that party that Bob was so afraid that Mary would leave, that he threw her in the pool. From that day on, a beautiful relationship grew and they were married on January 7, 1961. Mary was the first of her family to earn her Bachelor’s Degree from Saginaw Valley College, her son and three grandchildren followed in her footsteps. For over 25 years, Mary worked as a Customer Service Manager for the Internal Revenue Service, retiring in 2002.

Mary attended Holy Cross Lutheran Church and then was a faithful member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church since 1972, she also participated with Via de Cristo for many years. Mary loved to travel and enjoyed her membership at Moose Lodge #82.

Mary is survived by her husband, Bob Ruppel; children: Kimberly (Gary Slick) Ruppel and Robert A. (Kimberly) Ruppel; grandchildren: Shayne (Amanda) Slick, Hope Slick, Ryan (Andrea) Ruppel and Dalton Ruppel; great grandchildren: Anna and Alexander Slick, Gianna and Hazel Ruppel; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Roger and Karol Ruppel; also several nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Deborah Ann Ruppel; sister, Dr. Judy Minkin; and brother, Robert E. Dutton.

Family and friends will gather at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 5335 Brockway Rd., Saginaw, Michigan 48638 on Monday, November 9, 2026 from 10:00 am until the time service at 12:00 p.m. A celebration of Mary’s life will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, November 9, 2026 at the church. Deacon Jeff Rauschert will officiate.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a donation to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd., Saginaw, MI 48603. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the church or through www.DeislerFuneralHome.com

Mary M. Ruppel

May 20, 1941 - October 31, 2026

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