Ruth Morley

A woman of great strength with a gracious spirit, Ruth Morley lived a life that inspired those around her. She was a talented seamstress with fantastic skills in the kitchen, both of which were greatly appreciated by her family. Ruth was a devoted wife and nurturing mother whose love for her family was the driving force behind her strength each day. She witnessed her family tree blossom to include not only children and grandchildren, but also great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. With a life that spanned both peaks and valleys along the way, Ruth created a beautiful tapestry of memories that will be forever cherished by the generations who follow her. Life was anything but easy in Germany during the year 1919 as WWI transformed the landscape of their nation and much of Europe. It wasnt until the signing of the Treaty of Versailles that many of the troops that were serving returned home. However, the United States did not formally end its involvement in the war until the Knox-Porter Resolution was signed two years later in 1921. It was during this eventful time in history that Walter and Margaret (Schnherr) Kuhnert were blessed with the birth of the daughter they named Ruth on December 11, 1919. She was joined in her family by her older brother, Walter. In 1929, Ruth and her mother and brother immigrated to the United States, joining her father who had gone before them. The journey was a difficult one as they made the crossing during the winter. Once settled in Dearborn, Michigan, Ruth experienced a frugal upbringing. She was raised primarily by her mother as her father was not really in the picture. Ruths mother worked as a housekeeper while her father worked in the auto industry. Although she only knew German initially, Ruth attended an English speaking elementary school. She caught on to the language quickly and did well in school. Ruth graduated from Fordson High School in Dearborn and went on to Detroit Business College. With her education behind her, she went on to do some secretarial work, which evolved into bookkeeping. Prior to her retirement years Ruth was the Commerce Township clerk. New and exciting changes were on the horizon for Ruth when she met the young man who stole her heart. His name was Frederick Morley, and they met when she was out hiking with a group of friends. He couldnt help but notice Ruth, and he asked if she would like to walk with him. She was more than happy to oblige, and the rest is history as they say. With a desire to build a life together Ruth and Fred were married in March of 1944. Together they welcomed four daughters into their hearts and home: Karen, Kristine, Kathy, and Kimberly. Throughout her marriage to Fred, Ruth dealt with various challenges for several years. Many of their years together he was an alcoholic, but she was the eternal optimist who always believed in the best. Ruth struggled to keep their home and family together and took on several jobs in order to make ends meet. After several years Fred did recover, and he went on to become a very successful Substance Abuse Counselor during his later years. Ruth also took in her father-in-law and her mother during their later years. They lived in Dearborn, Livonia, Farmington, and Wixom, Michigan, and also in South Bend, Indiana, before settling in Lake Isabella. After Ruth and Fred retired they traveled extensively as she loved to travel. They primarily took road trips, crisscrossing across the country in a converted van and pop-up trailer. Ruth also went to Germany and Hawaii with her mother to see family. Additionally, Ruth loved to take day trips with the Isabella County Commission on Aging. She would have loved to continue traveling during her sunset years, however, her rheumatoid arthritis forced her to stay close to home. As her friends and family can attest, Ruth was never one to be idle. She loved to dance as well as play bridge. She volunteered at Woodland Hospice for many years and was a member of the Weidman Lions Club. She loved crafts of all kinds and had numerous skills including redecorating, wallpapering, stenciling, knitting, and sewing. In fact, Ruth made all of her girls formal gowns. She also arranged flowers, baked, and made candles. It has been said that she gave all of daughters the same initials to make the hand-me-downs appropriate for each new girl. Ruth took her crafting skills to an all new level when she wallpapered a dresser on one occasion! She was a great cook, and she always made sure that the family came together for a well-balanced dinner. An extraordinary woman in countless ways, Ruth Morley was a blessing in the lives of those around her. She treasured her family above all else and filled her days with the people and things she loved. Ruth never worried about building wealth, but focused on being purposeful and providing her loved ones with the things they needed. Resourceful, hardworking, and gentle, she will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Ruth Morley, of Lake Isabella, died on Friday, December 13, 2013, at Woodland Hospice. Ruths family includes her four daughters, Karen (Bill) Maher of Rogers City, Kristine (Melvin) Green of Westland, Kathy (Michael) Gordon of Lake Isabella, and Kimberly (Ron) Barnes of Lake Isabella; 10 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Frederick Morley in 1999; brother, Walter Kuhnert; and grandson, Daniel Green. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, December 18, at Lux Family Life Story Funeral Home with Pastor Andrew Miller of First Presbyterian Church officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 4-7 p.m. and on Wednesday one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Woodland Hospice. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. To learn more about Ruths life or to sign the online guest book please visit www.LuxFamilyFuneralHome.com.