Ruth Tatu Genautis

Ruth Tatu Genautis, age 80, of Walker, MI, formerly of St. Louis, died Monday, August 13, 2012 at Sanctuary of St. Mary's in Grand Rapids.

Ruth was born in Bethany Township, on June 10, 1932, the daughter of Russell and Freada (Breidinger) Witherspoon.  She grew up on the farm where she was born.  She married Robert L. Tatu on September 15, 1950 in St. Louis.  He preceded her in death on March 15, 1996.  She later married Robert Genautis and they resided in Walker.

Ruth is survived by her husband, Robert Genautis; her son-in-law, Roger Roelofs of Grand Rapids; her grandchildren, Ellen Roelofs and Evan Roelofs, both of Grand Rapids; and her sister, Reva Smith of Dimondale.  She was preceded in death by her daughter, Cheryl Roelofs; her parents; and her brother and sisters, Cecil Witherspoon, Pauline Jones, and Doris Parks. 

Through the years, Ruth worked as a secretary for several dentists and doctors in Gratiot County, as well as selling Singer sewing machines.  In her spare time she enjoyed going for long drives.  Ruth was a woman of great determination and faith.  She taught Sunday School, prepared meals for others and prayed for her family.  Ruth was a loving wife, aunt, mother and grandmother. Her kindness for and friendship with Ellen's partner, Molly Patterson, was a blessing to our family.  

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday, August 17, at Calvary Nondenominatinal Church in Grand Rapids, with visitation at the church starting at 10 a.m. until the time of the service.  Interment will be at 3 p.m. at Ridgelawn Cemetery in Breckenridge. 

Comments

[Sharon Hayes]

I was so sorry to hear of Ruth's passing. We worked at Total Petroleum together in the 70's. For about 5 summers we did garage sales together. I attended her 70th birthday with my daughter Julie. Roger, I was also saddened to read that Cheryl had passed away. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
An Ithaca friend......Sharon Hayes

[Jim and Birgit Molenaar]

Dear Bob and family,
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. We will be praying for you as you miss Ruth. She was a special lady.
Jim and Birgit from GIR

[Mr & Mrs Jean Rainville]

Dear Bob and Family:
We are so sorry to hear of Ruth's passing. We will pray for you Bob as you miss her. She was a dear lady.
Jean and Beverly Rainville

[Marjorie Jones]

Ellen and Family, you are in my prayers at this time God Bless

[Dennis and Margaret Nagel]

Dear Bob and Family,
We are very sorry to hear of Ruth's passing. We pray that after this very long struggle and the loss of your dear wife and companion you will experience God's peace that miraculously passes all our earthly understanding.
Dennis and Margaret Nagel

[Jerry & Kathy Wittingen]

Bob we are so sorry to learn of Ruth's death. We are lifting you and
your family up in prayer. Praying for Peace and God's love to wrap around you.
Jerry & Kathy Wittingen

[Kathy Meyer]

Bob I am so sorry for the loss, however Ruth is finally home. No more sickness. Pray that the Lord will be very close to you and have His hands upon you.

[Freda Hancock]

To the Genautis family; I want to offer my condolences and I pray you experience the peace that God can give and the hope that he holds out to us all. Revelation 21:4 "He will wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more neither mourning nor outcry nor pain be any more the former things have passed." What a day when death will be no more nor all the hurt that comes with it. May that hope be a ray of sunshine at such a dark time.