Ruth Irene Wittenkeller

Ruth Irene (Wells) Wittenkeller began life on September 7, 1925 in North Adams, Michigan.  She went home to be with her heavenly Father on June 4, 2015 at Woodland Terrace in Bridgman, Michigan. She was an educator for over 40 years teaching music and elementary school in Berrien County and retired from Coloma Community Schools.  She taught private music lessons and was active in the musical aspects of her churches over the years.  Her passion for music and education brought joy to herself and many others. She was preceded in death by her husband, Warren Wittenkeller in 1992, as well as her parents Howard and Bertha Wells, two sisters Pauline Ruder and Zellia Hersh, and two brothers Gerald Wells and Orlin Wells. She is survived by her daughters:  Lorri Wittenkeller and Tara (Wittenkeller) McKibben, and granddaughters:   Kristin McKibben and Jennifer McKibben. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00 A.M., Monday, June 8, 2015 at St. Joseph First United Methodist Church, 2950 Lakeview Ave. St. Joseph with Rev. Harris Hoekwater officiating. Burial to follow at Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph. Friends may visit Sunday, June 7, 2015 from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd. St. Joseph. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice at Home (Lakeland) St. Joseph, or the Humane Society of Southwest Michigan. Those wishing to sign Ruth’s online guestbook may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.