Ruth Wright

On December 26, 2020, Ruth Janice Wright closed her eyes, quieted her pain and ascended to a beautiful place. Ruth was born to Clifford and Clara (Sullivan) Anderson on November 29, 1934, Thanksgiving Day. Ruth’s birthday was never again on Thanksgiving as President Roosevelt changed the date of Thanksgiving; our Grandmother never quite forgave him. Ruth was born in Spring Lake. In her early years the family moved to Muskegon, later moving again to the beloved family farm in Shelby, Michigan. It was there Ruth developed a love of animals, gardening, and the natural world. She learned to work hard and found enjoyment and fulfillment in that work. After completing high school, Ruth moved to Grand Rapids where she met Larry Wright at a root beer stand, they married on March 19, 1955. In just a few years they had three children; Larry Jr., Susan, and Judith. It was a good life consisting of hard work, many family vacations and raising Cocker Spaniel puppies to earn extra money. In the mid-60s the family moved to Kalamazoo where Ruth began a lifetime of service, helping to establish the first library branch in Oshtemo, leading 4-H groups, and serving as secretary of the church we attended. There was always a large garden, growing many fruits and vegetables for canning and cooking and sharing what was grown. In the early 1970’s Larry and Ruth moved the family to a farm near Galesburg where Ruth established one of the first organic farms in Kalamazoo County. For many years Ruth ran the u-pick business, cared for the horses, chickens, ducks, dogs and anything else that wandered in. In the fall there were piles and piles of pumpkins for sale in the yard. Many people returned home with Ruth’s pumpkin recipes after selecting just the right pumpkin. She continued to serve her community through 4-H leadership, fought against airport expansion into the area and served on the board of the Comstock Library. She was active in the Galesburg Business Association after she and Larry opened a real estate office. Frequent family gatherings were so important to Ruth, she enjoyed the cooking and fun when the extended family gathered together for picnics and holiday dinners filled with laughter and love. Preceding her in death are her husband; Larry: her parents: sister; Eleanor Verschueren: brother; Clifford Anderson Jr.: and son; Larry Jr. Ruth is survived by her daughters: Susan Wright and Judy Wright: daughter-in-law; Barbara Wright: grandchildren; Larry Wright III, Jennifer (Rob) Lint, Bill (Susan) Wright, David (Cynthia) Wright, and John (Marah) Wright: along with great-grandchildren; Larry Wright IV, Landon Wright, Eliana Lint, Emelia Lint, Wyatt Wright, and Ryan Wright: and many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. Conservation, protection and love of our earth was an important focus of Ruth’s life. In lieu of flowers please take time to recycle more or find a way to protect our environment through donation or action. A memorial gathering will be held later this year when it is safe to do so. Ruth, may you now be richly blessed for all your love and good deeds. The family is being assisted by McCowen & Secord Family Funeral Homes, Rupert-Durham Chapel, 409 S. Main St., Vicksburg, MI 49097. (269)649-1697