Ruth Rose Ganakas

Ruth Rose Ganakas went home to the Lord Thursday, December 18, 2014 surrounded by her loving family. She was born June 21, 1926 in Mt. Morris, New York to Charles and Rose D’Imperio. She married her childhood sweetheart, Gus, in 1947 and moved to East Lansing where they raised six children. Her commitment to her husband, family, faith and community gave her great pride and joy.

Ruth was a founding member of St. Thomas Aquinas Church; She served as President of the Altar Society, St. Veronica Guild, and started the Pre-School program at STA. She also volunteered at St Thomas Aquinas School and Sparrow Hospital.

After raising her children, Ruth returned to work at East Lansing High School and retired as a payroll clerk for Snyder Phillips Hall at Michigan State University.

She is survived by her loving, devoted husband of 67 years, who she adored unconditionally, and her children – Gail, Gary, Greg, Anne, Amy Rose, Marcy, and granddaughters, Erin (Zach), Jennifer Rose, and Katie Rose-who will miss her daily guidance as well as her sister-in-law and many nieces and nephews.

She was a loyal MSU fan and particularly enjoyed the Spartan family trips to football bowl games and basketball NCAA championship tournament games.

The Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 955 Alton Road, East Lansing, MI. Interment will be in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Lansing. The family will receive friends Monday at the church from 2-5:00 p.m. and 6-8:00 p.m. with the Rosary being prayed at 7:30 p.m.

Special thanks for the gentle care of Jen Alverson, Sparrow Hospice Nurse, who provided Gus and family the expertise and knowledge of dying with dignity.

Donations can be made in remembrance of Ruth Ganakas to: St. Thomas Aquinas School, 915 Alton Road, East Lansing, MI 48823; Saint Vincent DePaul-St. Thomas Aquinas, 955 Alton Road, East Lansing, MI 48823; and Sparrow Hospice Services c/o Sparrow Foundation, PO Box 30480, Lansing, MI 48909-9986.

On-line condolences and memories may be made at www