Catherine Ruth Root

Ruth Root passed away March 4, 2024, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She died peacefully with her children Mary and George at her bedside. Her husband of nearly 70 years, George C. Root, passed away in 2016. She is survived by her children, Judy Root Aulette, Sally Root, Mary Root, and George Root; her son-in-law, James Rodbard; 10 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren. Her son-in-law, Albert Aulette, predeceased her in 2017. 

Born in 1927, Ruth grew up in northern Canada with two brothers, seven sisters, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews on a small farm outside the village of Emsdale, Ontario. Ruth was an excellent student and graduated from high school at 16. Despite her youth following graduation, she was asked to teach elementary school during WWII when many teachers were called into service. After the war, Ruth went to live with her sisters Beulah and Elaine, and her niece, Edith, in Detroit where they all attended Wayne State University, and she majored in chemistry. Ruth met George Root on campus, and they married in January 1948. 

Ruth and George settled in Roseville, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit, where they raised their children. Ruth was a stay-at-home mother until her children were in their teens. She then began working a variety of jobs from seamstress for a woman who claimed to be Russian royalty to tax preparation to clerical work at Stroh's where she appreciated the perk of free ice cream for employees. She soon decided to go back to college to finish her degree, this time in business, and took a job with the State of Michigan in their tax department. Here she found her work bliss, making friends and working through the mysteries of the tax system. 

In 1978, George and Ruth bought a trailer in Zephyrhills, Florida, where they spent the winters for several decades making new friends, playing pool, harvesting oranges from the yard, and watching the birds flock through. In 1999, Ruth and George moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan, where George had grown up. 

Ruth was a loving mother and wife and was known for her quiet kindness. She enjoyed gardening and playing euchre, bridge and Mahjong, camping, and sewing, knitting, and embroidery. Ruth was also an artist. We remember pink and green canned pears in mason jars on utility room shelves, skeins of yarn turning into blue and gold elephant sweaters, stained glass shadows on the living room ceiling, and yellow and red embroidery floss turned into birds and flowers on pillows and wall hangings. Ruth had a long full life. We miss you mom.

Memorial donations may be made in Ruth’s honor to Kalamazoo Habitat for Humanity, The Salvation Army, Doctors Without Borders, or National Wildlife Federation. To leave an online condolence, visit https://www.langelands.com/.