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1924 - 2007
 Ruth Myra Alsgaard-Smith age 82 of Greenville went to be with her Lord, peacefully at her home with her loving children by her side. She was born in Grand Rapids MI on December 7, 1924 the daughter of Francis H. and Ellen A. Johnson Barnes.
She was preceded in death by her first husband Norman O. ‘Bud’ Alsgaard Jr. and her second husband Verne L. Smith and also her brothers Harold Barnes and Francis Barnes and her sister Agnes Milheim.
Ruth is survived by her sons Larry (Kay) Alsgaard, Grand Rapids and Gary (Mary Ann) Alsgaard , Lowell, grandchildren; Jeff Noble, Rick (Karla) Noble, Kim (Tim) VanOeveren, Scott Alsgaard, Mike (Shelly) Alsgaard, Heather (Jeff) Kerkstra, Mike (Angie) Taylor, Todd Alsgaard and Aaron Alsgaard, 14 great grandchildren, sister Betty Bush of Belding and brother Robert (Donna) Barnes of Jenison, Special nieces, Betty Lou Hilton and Vickie Quast, extended family, Steve and Pixie Stevens, Glenn and Barbara Smith grandchildren, Connie (Todd) Ankli and Kim (Tim ) Martin and very special neighbors and friends.
She was a Past Worth Matron of the Eastern Star Princess Chapter 120 and Rebecca and an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church. She was employed for many years as the manager of Spiegel’s in Greenville and at Jeff Branch Motor Sales of Greenville.
The Family will receive friends and relatives from 6-8 PM Wednesday and 2-4 and 6-8 PM Thursday at Hurst Funeral Home, Greenville concluding with an Eastern Star service. Funeral services will be Friday November 30, 2007 at 1 PM from St. Paul Lutheran Church Greenville with Rev. Clayton Bates officiating. Burial will be in River Ridge Cemetery, Belding. Memorial contributions may be given to Greenville Area Ecumenical Food Mission.
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There are currently 8 condolences.
Jack Kurnat
Saturday December 1, 2007 at
3:50 PM
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Larry & Gary I am so sorry to here of Ruth's passing, I have many memories of Ruth when we were in the cub scouts, and many years after, she was such a nice lady, I hope your both doing fine, you have our deepest sympathy. Jack & Lita Kurnat
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Cindy Hansen
Saturday December 1, 2007 at
1:40 PM
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Ruthie was a very special person. She loved life and always seemed to look on the bright side. Growing up next door, I watched how she touched the lives around her and how respected and loved she was. I know God has a special place in heaven for Ruthie and I pray that he holds Gary and Larry and their families close in his arms and gives them the comfort they need.
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Betty Hilton
Thursday November 29, 2007 at
11:22 AM
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Larry,Kay,Gary, MaryAnn
The love that you have shown your mom, will be memories you can cherish forever. I will miss her, as you all will. Our daily calls, our lunches, being part of our Senior Group-her hugs and kisses. When she would call on the phone, she always remembered to say "Love You". She was a very special person, she touched alot of lives. May God be with all of you , as you grieve & celebrate her life. In Love and
Sympathy. God Bless, Betty Hilton
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Pixie
Thursday November 29, 2007 at
9:57 AM
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I will always remember Ruth.
I remember Ruth sitting with her friends at my father's birthday party in Florida.
She had a special presence about her, and her charming smile was so beautiful.
After the party, Dad asked me my opinion of the lady in the corner with her friends. There wasn't much I could say. In his eagerness, he forgot to introduce us.
By the time Steve and I reached home, he called to tell us his wonderful news - they were engaged to be married in the fall.
.
I remember Ruth and Verne's story of Kay's Florida Inspection Trip. As she disembarked the plane, Verne presented her with a long stemmed red rose. And, Guess what?
He passed— .before she even got her luggage.
I remember meeting Ruth's family at the engagement party we hosted for them in May.
I remember the joy and happiness shining from them as our families celebrated their marriage in September.
I remember how brave Ruth was. Verne and Ruth were sharing our annual " Potter Park Zoo" picnic in Lansing. I see her so closely in my mind as she climbed aboard her Camel with new-grandson Nick. ( Nick may still carry the bruises as she clung to him so hard..)
When the ride ended, she dismounted saying "If my boys could see me now!"
She was so thrilled and so excited to have this new adventure.
I remember Danish Festivals, party's, vacations, visits and phone calls
I remember bringing Clara Pearl to meet Ruth and Dad in Greenville. She was all excited about this pretty kitten with the blue eyes and on a leash. Clara Pearl became a welcome guest every time we went to visit Florida.
I remember asking Ruth if she would like to meet Peaches? Her answer: "Sure honey, that would be fine". She was a little surprised when she saw a pink furry little creature with a long naked tail. But she remained brave. And when I placed Peaches on my dads lap, she was a bit alarmed, but still intrigued. Soon she was petting Peaches on the head and rubbing her tiny ears. After that, Peaches was always welcome in Greenville and Florida as a treasured guest. Except the tail.Remembering Ruth will always be memories of the lovely lady that shared herself with all her family, extended family, and friends.
She greeted each day with great Faith, Love, and Enthusiasm.
Yes, I will always remember Ruth.
With Love Always,
Pixie .
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Marlene & Fred Timmer
Thursday November 29, 2007 at
6:08 AM
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Hi Gary, So sorry to hear about your Mom. We get the GR press here in Muskegon and I was surprised to read about her. Mom had told me she had not been feeling well, but I guess I did not know she was that ill. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I hate to think of us as being the older generation...my head still thinks of me being 30. Fred lost his Mom this past year, so we know what you are going through. Take care. Marlene (Hansen) & Fred Timmer
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kim,deb,ashley and kevin
Thursday November 29, 2007 at
1:44 AM
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You are all in our prayers during this difficult time We hope you find peace and comfort from your family and friends
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Judy Reusser
Wednesday November 28, 2007 at
3:41 PM
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I am sorry to see of the loss of your mother. I have great memories of playing golf with her and my aunt (Lil Sewell) when I was a teen (late 60's). She was one-of-a-kind.
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Marie Bailey
Tuesday November 27, 2007 at
8:40 PM
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Ruth was a very special lady.She loved her children dearly,and was loved by all those whos lives she touched.You will be sadly missed.
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