Ruth York

She was born on March 31, 1935, in Marquette to Andrew and Doris (Holder) Easley, Jr. She was raised by her loving grandparents, Andrew and Clara Easley, Sr. Ruth was a graduate of both Graveraet High School and the St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing. On October 25, 1958, Ruth married her high school sweetheart, William (Bill) York. Together they had nine children. Besides her husband of 65 years, Ruth is survived by her daughter, Charlene (George), David (Elizabeth), Darlene Phelps (Ken), Michele, Michael (Carol), Daniel, Robert and Douglas (Dena) and several grandchildren and great grandchildren. She also leaves behind two sisters, Janeen and Linda Easley and one brother, Bob. Ruth was preceded in death by both her parents, one sister, Janeen (who died in infancy), her daughter, Jeannette and her daughter-in-law, Wendy Evans-York.

When most of her children had grown, Ruth went back to school and received her associate degree in Health Information Services from Northern Michigan University. She even played the violin in the University’s orchestra while there. Ruth was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, nurse and homemaker. She was an excellent cook and seamstress. She enjoyed playing the piano and the violin and she always had music playing at home. Ruth’s happiest moments were during the holidays when everyone in her family could be together.

The York family will greet relatives and friends on Friday, October 20th at St. Michael’s Catholic Church beginning at 11 a.m. until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated in the church at 1 p.m. with Rev. Gregory Heikkala officiating. A luncheon will be served in the Zyrd Parish Center immediately following the Mass.

The family would like to thank U.P. Home Health and Hospice for providing excellent care in Ruth’s time of need.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to either Father Marquette Catholic Academy (www.fathermarquette .org) or Northern Michigan University Foundation- School of Nursing (www.foundation.nmu. edu).

Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the York family where memories of Ruth may be shared at canalefuneral.com.