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Ruth Lilla Sturdevant Bush

Ruth Bush

July 22, 1924 – December 27, 2017

KISSIMMEE, FL – Ruth Lilla Sturdevant Bush, 93 years young, entered into eternal life Wednesday, December 27, 2017, at her home in Kissimmee, FL, with her family surrounding her, singing the songs to send her home.

Ruth was born in Toledo, Ohio on July 22, 1924 to Roy and Edith Sturdevant. She survived her parents and her three siblings: Richard (Ann) Sturdevant, Doris (Paul) Roy and Louise (Robert) Schlachter.

Always living life to the fullest, Ruth took on many challenges and adventures. Determined to continue her education beyond high school, and against her father’s wishes, Ruth was the first in her family to attend college. She received a Bachelor of Education degree at the University of Toledo in 1946, just before the birth of her first child.

Ruth married the love of her life, George Archer Bush on January 23,1946. Ruth followed George’s ministerial career from Ohio to Kentucky, to Michigan and finally to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, raising 6 children along the way. Ruth valued each child for their uniqueness, encouraging them to take their own individual paths in life. She was proud of all their accomplishments including the families they raised.

Ruth went “back to work” after years of child raising. She first taught in the elementary school in the Waverly School District in Lansing, MI. Since she had “not worked” for 16 years, she agreed to go back to school to get a Masters of Arts in Teaching (MAT) at Michigan State University as a condition of her employment. She taught in the Waverly schools for 6+ years.

When George took “a call” to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Marquette, MI, Ruth applied to Northern Michigan University (NMU), at George’s suggestion and was hired, again conditioned on Ruth getting further education. She had a dilemma: since she was “too old” by University regulations of the day, to begin work on a PhD in Education, she settled on an Educational Specialists Program through Michigan State University. This decision would impact her career for the next 20 years, in promotions, salary and workload.

Ruth developed and honed the Student Teaching Program at NMU, working with both university students and supervising teachers in community schools. She supervised this program from 1967 until her retirement in 1986. Ruth was beloved by colleagues, students, staff, and area teachers. At the time of her retirement, NMU hired 3 persons to replace her.

After her retirement, Ruth and George went “on the road” for several years, settling finally in Kissimmee, Florida. They remained there for more than 30 years, building new friendships and enjoying life to the fullest. When George passed away in 2009, they had been married 63 years.

Ruth had a beautiful spirit that made an impact on all she met. Her dedication to service made people feel that she was their mother, protector, confidant, and supporter: making us all family.

She always had a smile on her face, a compliment to give. Her generosity, compassion, independence of spirit, and patience were cherished by all. She deeply loved her family and all her friends. We are truly blessed to call her mother, grandma, and friend.

Ruth leaves her legacy to be carried on through her children, Katherine (Jay) Dishnow of Fort Myers Beach, FL, Susan (Fred) Dettmer of Lansing MI and Kissimmee, FL, Martha Bush (Kendall Baker) of Big Bay, MI, Paul (Debra) Bush of Newberry, MI, Daniel Bush (Debbie Milwee) of Kissimmee, FL, and John (Maria) Bush of Bothell, WA, and her 14 grandchildren and their spouses, and 13 great-grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held in Ruth’s honor on Saturday, January 13th at Cypress Cove in Kissimmee, FL. A summer Celebration of Ruth’s life is planned for 2018 in Marquette, MI for her UP family, friends, colleagues and students.