Ruth Marie Striegle (Heibel) of Dorr, died Tuesday, Oct. 29, at Faith Hospice – Trillium Woods in Byron Center at the age of 81.
Ruth was born at home in New Salem to Cletus and Margaret Heibel May 16, 1943.
Ruth was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Visitation Parish and an active member of North Allegan Right to Life. From an early age, she had a great passion for reading and all the joys of nature: sunshine, flowers, trees, rocks, and birds.
She enjoyed bluegrass music, Hudsonville ice cream, cobalt blue glassware, Alan Jackson, thrift shops, Native American history/culture and all things turquoise, from jewelry and sweaters to her signature purse and toe nail polish.
She loved her home in the woods, the wildlife, and driving her golf cart on the trails. She was known to many in the area as “the antiques lady” or “the rug lady” (Ruthie’s Rag Rugs) and everyone knew who was behind the wheel of that gold PT Cruiser for the past 20 years.
She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She selflessly gave so much of her time and talents to make sure everyone had what they needed.
She is survived by her children Eugene Jr. (Jennifer), Dan (Amy), Ken (Jennifer), Janet (Mark) Kloska, Dennis (Tracey), and Alan Striegle; 15 beloved grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; sisters Dorothy Chismar, Tarsie (Neil) Thompson, and Marian (Russ) Richardson; brothers- and sisters-in-law Nancy Heibel, Jamie England, Sharon Thibodeau, David Striegle, Shirley (Leo) Hilaski; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
She was preceded in death by Eugene Striegle Sr.; parents; brother, Linus Heibel; and sister, Monica England.
As per her wishes, cremation will take place. Funeral arrangements are pending. Donations in her memory may be made to Positive Options / Lakeshore Pregnancy Center, Project Hope / Annetta Jansen Ministry of Dorr, or Faith Hospice – Trillium Woods of Byron Center.
