Ruth Louise Arent

Ruth Louise Arent, 84, of Benton Harbor, passed away on Saturday, March 3, 2012 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, with her husband Nathan by her side. Ruth was born on October 1, 1927 in St. Joseph, to the late Charles and Louise Schiebel. On February 11, 1956, she married Nathan Arent. She was a lifelong member of St. Peter’s United Church of Christ and worked for 25 years at Meskimen’s Gifts in St. Joseph. Ruth is survived by her devoted husband, Nathan, of 56 years; three children – Jane Rizzo of St. Joseph, Mark (Susie) Arent of Midland, and Steven Arent (Pam) of Littleton, Colorado; and six grandchildren, the lights of her life: Adam Rizzo of Truckee, California, Nathan and Sarah Jane Arent of Midland, and Emily, Charlie, and Chelsea Arent of Littleton, Colorado. Ruth was the last of the three Schiebel sisters to pass, and was preceded in death by Leona Steinke in 2008 and Berniece Miller in 2009. Ruth lived her life surrounded by her family, and her love and support was a constant presence in all of their lives. Above all, she shared her love with her husband, Nathan. She also enjoyed a lifelong friendship with her sisters, Leona and Berniece and spent many winters in Florida with close family and friends. Ruth was famous among her grandchildren for her Christmas cookies, applesauce, and homemade Mac n’ Cheese. They will always remember dinners around Gramma’s kitchen table, and never having to wonder if there would be dessert. Ruth loved to watch her grandkids play in musical and sporting events. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, March 8 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Peter’s Church, 623 Church St., St. Joseph, with Rev. Gail Holman officiating. Burial will be at North Shore Memory Gardens. Friends may meet with the family from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. To express your sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter’s Church. Those wishing to share a memory of Ruth online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.