Ruth Esther Fischer

Ruth Esther Fischer, 88, of Benton Harbor, MI passed away Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at Lakeland Medical Center, St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 10:00 A.M. Monday, April 11, 2016 at First Assembly of God – Blue Roof Church, 3084 Niles Rd., St. Joseph with Rev. Hans Frank officiating. Burial will follow at North Shore Memory Gardens. Friends may visit with the family from 2:00 – 4:00 P.M. Sunday, April 10, 2016 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorial contributions may be made to John 3:16 Children’s Home, Brazil or Blue Roof Church, St. Joseph.  Those wishing to sign Ruth’s guestbook may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com. Ruth was born May 2, 1927 in Benton Harbor to Gottfried and Bertha (Rosin) Marquardt. On September 25, 1951 in Benton Harbor, she married Erick Fischer. Together they raised their son, Daniel.  In addition to taking care of her family, Ruth also worked outside the home at Remington Rand in the accounting department, Helene’s Clothing Store, and later at her alma mater, Benton Harbor High School as a Financial Secretary. Ruth has been a lifelong member of First Assembly of God. A woman with a true servant’s heart, Ruth volunteered her time selflessly.  She volunteered at Lakeland Hospital for over 15 years and served at First Assembly of God both in the Women’s ministries and serving as organist for over 30 years (a skill she learned for just that reason). Though she enjoyed traveling, you could regularly find her in her kitchen preparing wonderful pies, brownies, cookies or her famous German Chocolate cake.  Ruth is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Daniel & Carolyn Fischer and grandson, Noah of Alpharetta, GA; and brother, William (Bill) Marquardt of Maine. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Erick; brothers, Leonard and Albert Marquardt; and sisters, Martha Hirsch and Alma Maxwell.