Ruth Dorathea Tuttle (Nee Champe), 92, passed away at her home in Walled Lake, Jan 18, 2009.
Ruth was the beloved wife of the late Rollin Jesse Tuttle.
She is survived by her sons: George (Susan), Richard (Kathryn), Rollin (Irina) Tuttle Jr, Robert (Linda), and her daughter, Janice (Steve) Leonhardt. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Ruth is also the sister of Harry Champe.
Ruth was both a spiritual and community leader. She and her late husband, Rollin, were founding members of the Bear Lake Christian Church at their summer home in Bear Lake, MI.
They built several cottages at Bear Lake in the 1950s and rented them to families during the summer months. Ruth continued the business and her involvement in the Bear Lake Church well after her husband's death, accumulating many friends and acquantances.
She was very active in local affairs in the Walled Lake Area as well. Ruth was a longtime member of the Walled Lake United Methodist Church and was elected to the Walled Lake City Council. She became Mayor Pro Term during the 1970s.
Ruth was also a founding member of the Commerce Township Area Historical Society. During her many years with the Historical Society, she collected documents and conducted taped interviews with many of the elders of Commerce Township - preserving precious history for the area. She held many positions in the society, including President, Secretary and Treasurer.
Ruth also managed the rentals for Stonecrest Hall in Walled Lake for many years.
She was an avid swimmer during her youth and won many events during her school years. Ruth taught all of her children how to swim. She swam at the health club in Novi, during the winter months and continued to swim laps, in Bear Lake, each summer - until her death.
She gave joy and happiness to her family and friends in both communities. Her life could be summarized by ideals of faith, family, home, and Country.
Her funeral will be held Wed, Jan 21, starting at 11 am. Services will be conducted at the Walled Lake United Methodist Church. Burial will be at the Walled Lake Cemetery.
Friends may visit Lynch & Sons Funeral Home.
