Ruth Klein, 98, passed away peacefully April 23, 2019 at Samaritas Senior Living, Williamsburg, MI. surrounded by her family. She was born January 17, 1921, the only child of Dorothy and Ralph Bieser. She attended schools in Chicago graduating from Parker High School in 1938 and the University of Chicago in 1943. In 1924, her parents started vacationing in Elk Rapids where she spent summers and met her future husband, Leonard Klein. In 1945 they were married in the chapel at the University of Chicago.
Ruth's great joys were raising her daughters, entertaining, maintaining close friendships, and traveling with Leonard and friends and a good bridge games. She always believed there was no better classroom than exploring the world.
In 1965, the family moved to Northville where Ruth became involved in the Northville Questers and Northville Women's Club, becoming president of both. Upon retiring, she and Leonard moved to Elk Rapids where she joined the P.E. O., became an accomplished watercolor artist, and continued with her loves of travel, entertaining, bridge and reading. She was a life-long learner with particular interest in architecture and design and was always a lively conversationalist.
Preceding her in death were Ralph and Dorothy Bieser, her parents, Leonard Klein, her husband of 65 years, and her Son-on-law, Lee Welch. She will be greatly missed by her daughters Ellen Welch of Elk Rapids and Betty (Fred) Becchetti of Ann Arbor, MI: grandchildren Jonathan (Mary Kate) Welch of Largo, FL, Michael Welch of Seattle, WA, Marc Becchetti of Ann Arbor, MI and Thomas Becchetti of Ann Arbor, MI: great grandchildren Jefferson and Alexander Welch.
The family wishes to thank you Samaritas and Heartland Hospice staffs for the care given Ruth. If desired, consider a memorial to: Parent Project for Muscular dystrophy (401 Hackensack Ave., 9th Floor, Hackensack, NJ 07601), Elk Rapids district Library (300 Isle of Pines, Elk Rapids, MI 49629), Cottey College (1000 W. Austin Blvd., Nevada MO 64772) or charity of your choice.
