Ruth Marie McKenzie's Obituary
Mrs. Ruth Marie McKenzie, age 79, of Melbourne Beach, Florida passed away Sunday, December 14, 2014 at Sanctuary at the Oaks in Muskegon, MI. She was born in Muskegon on July 27, 1935 to the late Keith and Cornelia (Schutter) Black. She married Ronald David McKenzie in Muskegon on June 17, 1953. He preceded her in death on February 25, 1994. She later married Robert Wilcox on August 2, 1997, who also preceded her in death on April 9, 2008.
Ruth graduated from Muskegon Heights High School 6/11/53; she graduated from Central Michigan University with a B.S. in Education 1/26/1958, and received her Master’s degree from Western Michigan University 8/9/1963. She was certified for educational administration from Loyola University. She taught school for a number of years in Illinois and Michigan and retired from the Holton School system in June, 1994, serving 15 years as Principal and Superintendent. She received a Kennedy Center for the Arts award in recognition for establishing a unique program for the arts at Holton elementary school.
Ruth was a dedicated educator and an accomplished musician, having played the viola, piano and organ. She had played with the Muskegon Symphony Orchestra and the Muskegon Civic Opera. She also served as a Choir Director for many years. Ruth enjoyed boating on Lake Michigan and at Big Star Lake. Ruth generously shared her love of cooking and baking; everyone looked forward to enjoying a meal at Ruth’s, especially when dessert included her delicious pies, cakes and cookies.
She is survived by her daughter, Captain Ellen J. (Rhett) Sease of Holton, MI; her daughters-in-law, Charlotte McKenzie of Saugatuck, MI and Debbie Farst of Cadillac, MI; 3 grandchildren, Amanda Marie Sease-Baker, Ronald K. Sease and Nicholas McKenzie; 4 great-grandchildren; and her friend and companion, Dr. Robert Newman of Melbourne Beach, FL and Chesaning, MI. She was preceded in death by 2 sons, Keiron David McKenzie and Cornelius “Cubby” McKenzie; and 2 brothers, Keith and Herman Black.
The MEMORIAL SERVICE will be held 11:00 a.m., Monday, December 22, 2014 at Holton United Methodist Church, 9530 Holton Duck Lake Rd., Holton, MI 49425. VISITATION will be at the church Sunday, December 21, 2014 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Holton United Methodist Church or the Salvation Army. Arrangements by the Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc., 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444.
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