Ruth Scarlett Muir

Ruth Eleanor Scarlett Muir passed away peacefully on July 30th at the age of 93. Ruth was the daughter of the late William James Scarlett and Susan Rose Scarlett and lived all her life in Grand Rapids.  While growing up in SE Grand Rapids Ruth formed friendships that lasted a life time. Throughout her academic and professional career Ruth continued to gather friendships and wonderful memories. On November 12, 1955 Ruth married the love of her life Kenneth H Muir at Park Congregational Church in Grand Rapids. When the happy couple moved into their first home Ruth became an enthusiastic homemaker, and with the birth of William Boyce in 1957 Ruth became a loving and dedicated mother.

Ruth was not only committed to Ken and Bill, but also to her extended family. Both the Muir and Scarlett families often gathered to celebrate holidays and family events. Ruth was instrumental in maintaining many of both family’s traditions. For many years Ruth’s interest in genealogy led to new connections particularly with her Scarlett roots in Ireland. This culminated in a 2002 trip to the Scarlett Reunion in Caven County Ireland with her beloved nephew James Scarlett and his family.

Throughout her life Ruth was very social, maintaining childhood friendships, gaining new friends during her married life and through Ken’s career with Muir Drugs and Kenart Photo. Ruth was involved in many civic, social, and charitable organizations. Including Mayflower Congregational Church Women’s Board, Kent Country Club, Kent Garden Club, Cascade Woods Neighborhood Watch, and for 31 years Ruth was dedicated to The Babies Welfare Guild of Camp Blodgett.

During their 58-year marriage Ken and Ruth, traveled widely. First as a family with Bill, and in their retirement wintering in Green Valley Arizona, visiting friends along the way. As it became difficult to travel, childhood friend Evelyn Egolf visited Ruth faithfully, as did family and of course her devoted son Billy. The family is also grateful to the staff of Maple Creek for their loving care.

In addition to her parents Ruth was preceded in death by her husband Kenneth H Muir, along with her brothers Gordan William and Wallace William Scarlett.

Ruth is survived by her son William Boyce Muir (Robin Rosier) of Traverse City, brother in-laws: John Owen Muir (Jan) and Robert Boyce Muir. Special nephew James Richard Scarlett (Bonnie) and their children James Evan (Amanda), Mark Robert, Ryan Michael, & Kelli Lynn along with the newest Scarletts, Tucker & Quinlan. Niece Sheryl Lynn Schaap (Jeff), sons Joshua and Justin Schaap. Nieces Nancy Muir Dugan and Mary Leigh Muir Metz. Ruth is also survived by many beloved cousins, family friends and sons from other mothers.

Visitation will be held on Thursday August 2nd from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8pm at the Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 4291 Cascade Rd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday August 3rd at Mayflower Congregational Church, 2345 Robinson Rd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506.  Private interment will be at Woodlawn Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan.

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