Ruth Ellen Sander

Ruth Sander was an extraordinary woman with an insatiable zest for life that was contagious to all those around her. Some people spend their days chasing after the seemingly elusive dreams of the acquisition of wealth or the praise and recognition of their peers. To Ruth, life was not about these pursuits, rather to her, life was about relationships with her family and making the most of each day she was given. Ruth was a kind-hearted and generous woman who often set aside her own needs to give preference to the needs of others instead. The decade of the 1930s was a difficult one for many within the culture of our nation as we were deep in the throes of the Great Depression which began in 1929. Despite the many challenges that this era was faced with, to many Americans, these were times to rise up and overcome the many obstacles in their path and still find joy while moving forward with their day to day lives. Robert and Gladys (Wiseman) OMalley, of Muskegon, Michigan were one of the American families that were in fact moving forward as they were anticipating the birth of their fourth child at any time. They were indeed blessed on April 11, 1936 with the healthy birth of their daughter, Ruth Ellen. As one of what would be five children in her family, Ruth experienced a wonderful childhood and established close relationships with her siblings and other family members as well. Her father worked as an auto mechanic while her mother was a homemaker and cared for the children which included Robert (Bob) , Gladys, Orin, Ruth, and Jack. Many precious memories which Ruth fondly recalled were established during her years growing up in the family home in Muskegon. There were family trips to Twin Lake virtually every Sunday where they soaked in the warm summer sun. Ruth was fortunate that her brother Jack was very generous in allowing her free use of his car. In fact, Ruth could double clutch and got a kick out of drag racing whenever the opportunity arose, especially down Western Avenue in downtown Muskegon. Often during such a race, Ruth had to run up on the curb in order to stop, due to the poor brakes! As a student, Ruth attended Muskegon Heights Public Schools including Phillips and she later graduated from Muskegon Heights High School. Ruth also established a strong work ethic during her younger years when she worked as a car hop at Hansons Drive In at Getty and Broadway in the Heights. Life turned a new corner for Ruth when she married Gerald Jack Sander at the young age of 18. The couple was later blessed with the births of four children: Robin, Jeff, Brian, and Tracey. Unfortunately, Robin was born with spina bifida which led to an early death, and Brian was born prematurely and died as well. Ruth helped support her family through her work as a secretary at Teledyne Continental Motors and later as a cashier at almost all of the Eberhards grocery stores and then lastly, as a cashier at Meijer. Ruth was a dedicated mother and she created several treasured memories with her children which will remain forever in their hearts. She took Jeff and Tracey to California a couple of times to visit her sister Gladys. They also went to Cedar Point, a popular amusement park in Ohio, with her brothers Jack and Bob and their families. Ruths children always knew that they were loved in their own unique way and she always made caring for her children her top priority. Although Ruths marriage to Jack ended in divorce after 25 years, she was blessed to meet someone with whom she found companionship and shared interests. His name was Jim Anderson and oddly enough, they had been carpooling their children to and from bowling together several times, but never actually met. It was through their joint affiliation with the Moose Lodge that they would finally be introduced. A friendship soon followed and together they enjoyed traveling to Tennessee to visit his friends, to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan where they enjoyed the spectacular beauty that abounds, and to Las Vegas a time or two also. They also liked to fish together on the big lake and visit casinos as well. There were interests and pursuits that were unique to Ruth and that attributed to making her the individual that her family and friends knew and loved. In addition to her membership with the Moose Lodge, she was also a member of the William J. Beal VFW #446 Auxiliary. Ruths greatest passion, however, was truly her family and it seemed that whatever she was doing, her children and grandchildren were never far from her thoughts. No matter what the conversation topic was, Ruths devotion to her family always seemed to lead the conversation back to them in one way or another. Whether she was drag racing down the street, serving customers as a cashier, or tenderly serving a meal to her family, Ruth Sander carried herself with compassion, kindness, and grace. It was no secret that she viewed her family as her greatest asset and that she enjoyed every moment that she could with them. Ruth made the most of each day she was given, embracing both the easy and hard times along her journey. She was a beloved sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend who will be dearly missed. Ruth Ellen Sander died peacefully surrounded by her family and loved ones on Tuesday, April 27, 2009. Ruths family includes her children, Jeff (Sheri) Sander of Norton Shores, Tracey Weaver of Muskegon; grandchildren, Brooke, Summer, Bradley, Colin, Cory & Brandy; 3 great grandchildren; dear brother, Jack O'Malley of Norton Shores along with brother-in-law, Wayne McFarlyn & sisters-in-law, Barb & Barb & Evelyn O'Malley; very dear nieces & nephews; special friend, Jim Anderson, along with Shania & many other friends who are far too many to mention. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Robert & Orin and her sister Gladys. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2009, 11:00 a.m. at Clock Chapel with Pastor Burt Wachter officiating. Interment at Lakeside Cemetery. Visit with Ruths family and friends on Wednesday, 6-8 p.m. and Thursday, 1 hour prior to the service at Clock Life Story Funeral Homes - Muskegon, MI. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory, sign the online guest book, or make a memorial contribution to Hackley VNS & Hospice or VFW Post 446 - William J Beal or Wolf Lake Baptist Church.