Ruth Ann Brooks

Ruth Ann Tilford Brooks (fondly known as Ruthie, Grandma, Mammaw), died on February 6th at Henry Ford Hospital surrounded by many of the people who loved her so dearly. She was 82 years old. She lived in Albion, Michigan.

Ruth was born in Eaton Rapids, MI and lived most of her life between Marshall and Albion. She graduated from Albion High School in 1960. Early in her life, she was a carhop on roller skates. She worked in retail, retiring from K-mart, where she made some of her dearest friends. She was an artist and contributed her talents towards many projects over the years. She was a Camp Fire Girls leader and always helped out with Boy Scouts.

Ruth married the love of her life Larry Brooks on November 20, 1960, at The United Presbyterian Church in Albion, Michigan. They were married for 64 years. Their greatest adventures came during retirement when they purchased an RV and began traveling between Big Cypress National Preserve in Florida, Allegheney National Forest in Pennsylvania, as well as state parks in New York and Michigan. They had fun times volunteering, crafting, having close encounters with wildlife, and always making new friends and seeing family along the way. In 2017 she was given the Volunteers-in-Parks award by the National Parks Service for her work as a volunteer at Big Cypress.

They had three children. Patrick Leonard (Kelly Maynard) of Brownstown, Michigan. Eric Lee (Lori Kidder) of Albion, Michigan. Bobbie Dayle (Aaron) Steinhauer of Geneseo, New York. Ruth bragged to anyone who would listen about her grandchildren having her genes; Kara (Marshall) Corcoran, Pastor Patrick James (Jackie) Brooks, Jordan Brooks, Logan (Hannah) Brooks, Jonathan Brooks, Bailey Steinhauer, Esq., and Hannah Steinhauer. Her greatest joy was playing with her great grandchildren Levi, Ezekiel, Miles and Evangeline.

Ruth’s favorite thing to do was laugh, whether she was playing with the grandkids, making arts & crafts, playing euchre with friends or cuddling with her dog, Walker Texas Ranger. She loved to dance, play games, and thoroughly enjoyed a practical joke with her quick wit. She brought calm and kindness into every space she entered. She loved pansies, Dolly Parton and a good pizza.

Ruth leaves behind cousins that she always felt were more like her siblings, Don (Judy) Kidder, Dianna (Raymond) Lange, Ron (Marta) Kidder & Robin (Diane) Kidder. Many nieces and nephews who made her proud.

Preceding her in passing were her parents, Ethel (Wiseman) and Leonard Tilford; she was their only child who they adored. Preceding her in death were also her favorite aunt and uncle, Leona and Dale Kidder. They helped to make Ruth the warm, loving person she became by creating a home filled with love that taught her there is always room for one more at her table.

Ruthie did not like funerals and never wanted people gathered together to be sad on her account. She did however, love nothing more than a pot-luck, birthday party or other gathering of friends and family. After some time, her family will host a celebration of life. For now, in honor of Ruthie’s memory: be kind to one another and laugh out loud, plant some flowers and do a craft to make the world prettier. If you would like to make a donation in her name, causes that were dear to her were the Alzheimer's Association, National Park Foundation, or giving to anyone that is in need. As she passed, the sun came out for the first time in days — that is the light and warmth that she would want you to carry with you, the gift that she gave to us as she left this world.

The family is being served by J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home, 811 Finley Dr., Albion, MI

To leave online messages of condolence, please visit www.kevintiddfuneralhome.com