Ruth E. Magner

Ruth E. Magner, 93 of Saint Joseph, MI cashed in her ticket, Saturday, February 11, 2017, that was paid for by her Lord Jesus Christ, leaving us at 0629 hours from The Hanson Hospice Center in Stevensville, MI following a brief illness.  A Celebration of Life Service was held 6:00 P.M. Friday, February 10, 2017 at Hanson Hospice Gathering Room, St. Joseph with Pastor Bob Confer officiating. Burial will follow at North Shore Memory Gardens in Coloma at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to World Vision, World Relief or Hanson Hospice Center. Those wishing to share a memory of Ruth online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com Ruth was born February 17, 1923 in West Allis, WI to William & Ida (Schellert) Patzer. She was a graduate of The City of Milwaukee High School Class of 1941. Graduated from Southwestern Michigan College in 1979 at the age of 56 with a RN Nursing Degree. Ruth worked as a Nurse at Memorial Hospital in Saint Joseph, MI, when she wasn’t serving as a missionary nurse for YWAM & World Vision. Ruth’s missionary work took her to Thailand, Hong Kong, Kenya, Uganda and the Philippines. Ruth “officially retired” as a RN at the age of 70. Ruth became a Hospice volunteer at the age of 73. She was very independent and strong woman. She continued to live by herself and even drove her 89 Cadillac up until a week before her passing. In her spare time she was the pianist and organist at the former Fair Plain Assembly of God. She also enjoyed singing, reading and playing with her grandchildren at any Lake Michigan Beach location. Her lifelong dream was to see the Chicago Cubs win the World Series!  Ruth’s life of service was full of love for those who knew her. The following scripture speaks of her life: “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you? The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me”. (Matthew 25: 37-40) Ruth is survived by two sons, Philip (Alice) Magner of Modesto, CA, J.W. (Monica) Magner of Saint Joseph, MI, one daughter Lois (Dave) Jury of Longmont, CO; 10 grandchildren; and 14 great grandchildren; Brother William (Darlene) Patzer of Apalachin, NY. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents and a daughter, Karen Sue (Steven) Follman.