Ruth J. Horton, age 76, of Ithaca, died peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, August 12, 2010, at her home.

Ruth was born in St. Johns on December 5, 1933, the daughter of Max and Roberta ( Willis ) LeBaron. She married Ronald Bertram Horton in St. Johns on August 14, 1960. Ron preceded her in death on June 28, 2002.

Through the years, Ruth loved doing things as a family, such as going to the cottage in Lake City every weekend through the summer, taking trips down south to visit family, or just having tea and pie and ice cream every night with Ron before they went to bed.

Recently she enjoyed going to her day care and the care she was given as they took her to the grocery store and the farmer’s market or doing karaoke. She enjoyed having the neighbors over for coffee and having garage sales with them. She especially enjoyed getting flowers from her son, Doug, and sitting with her cat, Sunshine.

Ruth is survived by her son, Doug, of Washington, Michigan; her sister, Mary (Steve) Thimmig of DeWitt; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded by her parents; and her daughters, Sharon and Suzanne.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday, August 16, at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca with Pastor Cindy Greene officiating. Interment will follow in Ithaca Cemetery. Visitation will be 2-4 and 6-8 Sunday. Memorial contributions may be made to Gratiot County Commission on Aging.