Ruth LaBree's Obituary
Ruth Louise LaBree, age 90, of Big Rapids passed away Monday, December 3, 2012. She was born December 23, 1921 in Lakeview, MI, the daughter of Raymond and Florence (Switzer) Park. Ruth graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1939. She married Gordon LaBree in 1944. Ruth had been a long time member of Big Rapids First United Methodist Church. She enjoyed reading, gardening and spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Ruth is survived by two daughters, Lana Lee (Bill) VanAlstine of Big Rapids, Lori (Pete Stokely) LaBree of Tustin; four grandchildren, Andy (Sarah) VanAlstine, Kacie (Jeff) Szpara, Holly (Brad Carroll) Anderson, Benjamin Anderson; five great grandchildren, Colby and Blake VanAlstine, Andrew, Lucas and Thomas Szpara; one brother, Jack (Pat) Park; one sister, Lola Parrish and two sisters-in-law, Betty Park and Alice Park; plus a very special friend, Kathy Bell. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Gordon, three brothers, Frank, Russ and Bob Park; and one sister, Pearl Lutjens. Funeral Services for Ruth will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 7, 2012 at the Mohnke Funeral Home with Pastor Zachary Nyhuis officiating. Interment will follow at Pine Plains Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Grant Center United Methodist Church or Great Lakes Caring Hospice.
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