Ruby Mae Sleaford's Obituary
Ruby Mae Bucher-Sleaford, age 84, passed away Tuesday morning, February 2, 2016. She was born May 11, 1931 in Shelby, MI to Tone and Mildred (Tibbitts) Bucher. Ruby worked for Muskegon Piston Ring for many years before retiring. In December of 1949 she married Arthur Siler, and their marriage ended in the early 1970’s. She then married Robert D. Sleaford. He preceded her in death in 1980. Although Ruby moved from Michigan after retirement, she maintained close friendships with “her girls”, friends since elementary and high school, and was happy to see them more regularly when she moved back to Shelby. While living in Florida, Ruby took great pleasure in the community that she found at the VFW Post 6287, so much so, that she became the President of the Women’s Auxiliary. When she moved to Tennessee, Ruby renewed her love of music and returned to playing the piano, even expanding her talents to the auto harp and dulcimer. Some of the fondest memories her grandchildren have are of grandma teaching them to play pool and perfecting their games! She loved to cook and the favorite meal enjoyed by all was fried chicken and lemon pie. The grandkids are happy that some of grandma’s favorite recipes have been passed down to them…including the infamous orange Christmas log! SURVIVORS include her daughter, Barbara Olsen of Muskegon; 3 step-children: Nancy Sleaford of San Diego, CA, Michael (Leticia) Sleaford of Michigan City, IN, Jeffrey (Marty) Sleaford of Grand Rapids; 5 grandchildren: William (Susie) Nash, Jr., Zachary Cihak, Amanda (Mike) VanTubergen, Jenny (Jeramie) Greer, Dane (Erica) Olsen; 5 great-grandchildren: Riley Greer, Jacob and Kayla Olsen, Alena VanTubergen, and Brandi Behnke. She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Shirley Ann Wentzloff; brother, Hubert Bucher; and sister, Naomi Near. A MEMORIAL SERVICE will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, February 20, 2016 at The Lee Chapel, 6291 S. Harvey St., (231) 798-1100 with Pastor Paulette Zoulek officiating. VISITATION with the family will be one hour prior to the service. MEMORIALS to the Women’s Auxiliary of the Montague VFW Post 3256 will be appreciated. Share memories with the family at their On-line Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com
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