Ruth Carnestiue Higgins-McCurdy

Ruth Carnestiue Higgins-McCurdy, 79, of Bangor, passed away on Saturday, March 14, 2015 at her home under Hospice care. She was born June 30, 1935 to Robert and Francine (Byrd) Grice in Memphis, Tennessee. Ruth worked at the Watervliet Community Hospital for 15 years before her retirement in 1984. She was an active member at Mt. Calvary in Pullman and the Second Baptist Church in South Haven. Ruth loved to dance and cook, she was known for her BBQ. Ruth also enjoyed helping others in need.

She is preceded in death along with her parents by her first husband – Walter Edward Higgins, siblings – Melvin and Robert Grice, Barbara Carpenter, and Rhonda McBridge, and on grandchildren.

Ruth is survived by her husband – Orlandis “Cool” McCurdy; children – Ronald (Margaret) Byrd of Kalmazoo, Beverly Higgins of Chicago, Judy and Jimmy Higgins both of Kalamazoo, Debbie Higgins of Grand Rapids, Theresa (Flo) Higgins of Kalamazoo, Velma Higgins of Chicago, Daphnie Higgins of Kalamazoo, Melvin (Henrietta) Higgins of Bangor, and Princess Mary (Stacy) Higgins of Kalamazoo; siblings – Francine Gardner of Detroit, Shelly Woods of Chicago, Clegg Byrd of Battle Creek, and Jessie Byrd III of Jackson, Michigan. 28 grandchildren and 49 great grandchildren also survive.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, March 20, 2015 at Simpson United Methodist Church with Rev. Thomas Davenport officiating. In lieu of Flowers, contributions may be made in Ruth’s memory to the Simpson United Methodist Church, 507 Joy Street, Bangor, Michigan 49013.