Ruth Barrows

Ruth Barrows, born October 14, 1930, passed away on March 4, 2024. She grew up on a farm near Shelbyville and later graduated from Wayland High School.

In May of 1950, Ruth married Bernard Barrows, and they raised four children: Kathy Claus (Phoenix, Arizona), Bruce Barrows (Plainwell), Susan Root (Delton), and David Barrows (Plainwell). Ruth was a grandmother to five grandchildren Kyle, Jessica, Gordy, Jocelyn, Michael and seven great-grandchildren, Brooke, Blake, Alexandra, A.J. Matthew, Leo, and Milo, whom she enjoyed spending time with.

Ruth's life was rich with simple joys. She found solace in her hobbies of reading, gardening, and cooking. Her green thumb and generous spirit led her to volunteer for several years for the City of Plainwell planting flowers in the spring and tending to gardens at various locations, including the Wedgewood Condominiums and Stanford Lodge Assisted Living, where she spent her final years. Ruth's culinary skills were legendary among her family and friends, with her homemade dinner rolls, baked beans, and holiday treats becoming cherished traditions.

After becoming a widow in 1979, Ruth supported herself through her work in home health care and in the kitchen at what was Cunningham Nursing Home in Plainwell. Her resilience and work ethic were truly admirable.

Beyond her talents and accomplishments, Ruth was known for her kindness and generosity. She had a compassionate heart and was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need, whether it was driving a friend to a doctor's appointment or preparing a meal for a neighbor. Her legacy of compassion will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Ruth is preceded in death by her husband, Bernard, her parents Gordon and Helen Culver, and her brother Russell Culver. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Stanford Lodge and Centrica Care (Hospice) for their compassionate care during Ruth's time there.

In accordance with Ruth's wishes, there will be no formal service. Instead, her family invites friends and loved ones to honor her memory in their own special way. Ruth's spirit will forever be remembered and cherished by all whose lives she touched.

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Ruth’s guestbook and/or share a memory with her family.

The Barrows family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 120 South Woodhams Street, Plainwell, MI 49080. 269-685-5881.