Ruth Imogene Locke's Obituary
“I’m always working my fool head off,” are words we will always remember Ruth by.
With a dynamic heart and unwavering dedication, Ruth I. Locke, age 92, touched the lives of those around her with kindness and resilience. She passed away on Friday, December 20, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on July 17, 1932, to Willard and Edna (Kubon) Ackerberg in North Muskegon, MI. She grew up on a farm with 7 siblings. Ruth’s life was a testament to her hardworking, creative, and supportive nature.
In 1952, she married her childhood sweetheart, Gerald Locke. She said some of her fondest memories with him was that he taught her how to work on cars and paint them. Unfortunately, after a few years she became a young widow and had to raise 3 children alone. She made ends meet as a waitress and beautician. Later she would become the sole owner and operator of Davis Drapery and Upholstery for approximately 50 years, retiring at 80 years old.
Her love for interior decorating, gardening and crafts filled her home with warmth and beauty. Ruth’s passion for music led her to play numerous instruments, sharing joy and melody with family and friends. Her enthusiasm for construction led her to constantly remodel her home to perfection. She was recognized in the Muskegon Chronicle in 1975 for triumph over tragedy and being able to fix anything. Ruth cherished her rotary phone, a simple joy that connected her to loved ones.
A devoted mother and grandmother, Ruth did everything necessary for her family, always placing them at the center of her world. She leaves a sister Sandra (Joseph) Drost, 3 children: Cindie Ripley, Jerrie (Thomas) Hansen, Joseph (Carrie) Locke. 8 grandchildren Sean McTaggart, Eric McTaggart, Jesse Ripley, Nicholas (Amanda) Hansen, Cori (Eric) Bartos, Chadley Hansen, Jennifer (Steve) Personette, and Nolan Locke. 6 great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandchild. Grandma Ruth’s Christmas meatballs and rosette cookies will continue to be passed on.
Facing life’s tribulations with remarkable resilience, Ruth and her brothers and other family members rebuilt her own home after a devastating house fire. Through her actions, she inspired others with her bold strength and determination.
Ruth was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gerald Locke; child Peggy Anne; parents, Willard and Edna Ackerberg; siblings, Donald (Betty) Ackerberg, Delores (Rex) Waite, Raymond (Mitzi) Ackerberg, Betty (Max) Waite, James Ackerberg, and William (Patricia) Ackerberg. She now rests peacefully, her spirit carried forward by those who loved her.
As per her wishes, Ruth has been cremated, and a memorial service is to be determined after the holidays. Her tenacious spirit, sassy and brassy nature, and loving memory will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and all who knew her.
A special and heartfelt thank you to the staff at Lake Woods Nursing Home and Hospice of Michigan for all your love and dedication to our mother and grandmother.
Arrangements entrusted to The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 737 E. Apple Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442. Share memories with the family at www.sytsemafh.com.
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