Ruth Ellen Sheldon's Obituary
Lakeview - Ruth Ellen (Bilsborrow) Sheldon, age 88, of Mecosta, passed away February 17, 2022, at Blodgett Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Ruth was born on September 1, 1933, in Albion, the daughter of Byron and Evelyn (Parks) Bilsborrow. Ruth was raised in Albion attending Union High School in Grand Rapids and graduating from South High School in 1951. She continued her education at Grand Rapids Community College. Ruth had many occupations throughout her life, but employment worth mentioning was by Davis Dental Labs, a nursing home in Marne, Wolverine Worldwide, and she also cleaned homes well into her 80's. Ruth married Duane Sheldon on April 23, 1971, in Grand Rapids. She was never one to complain, always stayed positive and looked on the bright side of things. She was 100% committed to her family and was what held the family together. Her family was everything and the fact that such a large family gets along so well speaks volumes to the type of person and mother she was. She was always up for a new adventure, even ziplining, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, camping, and hiking out west well into her late 80s. She watched the nightly news regularly and stayed informed of world events. Ruth enjoyed reading, gardening, cooking, sewing, needlepoint, decorating (especially for holidays), flowers, outdoor activities, bird feeding, traveling, and she loved Lake Michigan. She was an excellent listener and was easy to talk to. Ruth was a member of the Sylvester Community Church for over 45 years and was willing to do whatever she could to help others.
Ruth is survived in death by her children, Doug (Peggy) Grau, Bill (Linda) Grau, Evie Hoyle, Walt Grau, Dan Grau, Janice (Steve) Bittenbender, Jean Nadeau, and Leslie (Jamie) Kinnee; grandchildren, Jessica (Norm) Hall, Emily (Matthew) Lauritzen, Jordan Vanbrocklin, Ashley Walton, Jason (Alicia) Matteson, Jennifer Matteson, Ian (Tiffany) Grau, Owen and Becky Grau, Scott (Hollie) Bittenbender, Nick (Kim), Bittenbender, Jeff Bittenbender, Jamie Nadeau, Jay (Jessica) Nadeau, and Brayden and Riley Kinnee; great-grandchildren, Olivia Hall, Gwen and Benjamin Lauritzen, Skyler, Elijah, and Brendan Matteson, Cirsten and Matt Quigley, Lily Matteson, Sandor Grau, Jet, Jayce, Ella, and Anna Bittenbender, Erin and Mason Spaugh, Hudson and Mia Nadeau; nieces, nephews, and church family.
Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Duane Sheldon on July 6, 2004; her parents, Byron and Evelyn Bilsborrow; siblings, Thelma Pike, Midge LaShell, and George Bilsborrow; and grandchildren, Sarah Bittenbender and Jill Nadeau.
Funeral services for Ruth will be held on Friday, February 25, 2022, at 12:00 noon at Sylvester Community Church with Pastor Simon Endacott officiating. The family will accept friends for visitation on Thursday, February 24 from 5:00-8:00 P. M. at the Brigham Funeral Chapel in Lakeview, Michigan, and February 25 at 11:00 A. M at the church. A luncheon will be at the church following the service. Contributions in Ruth's memory can be made to Sylvester Community Church. Condolences to the family can be made utilizing the guestbook at www. brighamfuneralchapel. com.
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