Ruth Yvonne Tempel

Ruth Yvonne Tempel was peacefully Promoted To Glory on December 2, 2025 (aged 89) in San Diego, California. She was born August 30, 1936, in Flint, Michigan to her loving parents Frederick Owen Smith and Marian Evangeline (MacDougal) Smith and the last child with four older brothers, Al (m. Edith) Smith, Jack (m. Jean) Smith, Ted (m. Roberta) Smith, and Bernie (m. Melva) Smith.

As the youngest child with four older brothers, Ruth’s youth was filled with activity, and she loved to swim and play ball with her brothers. Growing up she was a member of the Flint Citadel Corps where her father and grandfather served as the bandmaster, and pursued her education at University of Michigan–Flint, where she studied psychology. After graduation she attended The Salvation Army School for Officer Training from 1959-1960, graduating in the Great Hearts Session in the Central Territory.

While a lieutenant, she served in the central territory. She met the love of her life Henry Frederick Tempel while working as a librarian at the Central School for Officer Training, and they were later married on April 17, 1965.

After getting married she and Henry moved to the Eastern Territory and she served as a librarian at THQ and in women’s ministries. In 1987 Henry and Ruth moved to Boston, where they trained for ministry in the Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC). Together, they served in the ARC for 13 years in Jersey City and then Newark New Jersey. Their final appointment was at Territorial Headquarters in Nyack, New York where she served as the Safety and Insurance Officer for the Adult Rehabilitation Centers Command.

After 40 years of service, she and Henry retired in 2001 and moved to Corunna Michigan.

Salvation Army music played a central role in Ruth's life and wherever she was stationed she was a faithful Bandsman and Songster. She enjoyed attending Central Music Institute in the Summer, and served in bands such as Hempstead Citadel, and Flint Citadel. She served in the Songsters in those Corps as well as in Montclair Citadel.

During retirement Ruth was just as active as during her career of service. From 2001 through 2020, she continued to serve as a Corps Bandsman and Songster, playing the alto horn and later serving as band secretary through 2018 at her home church of Flint Citadel Corps.

Throughout her life she lived fully and joyfully. She was gifted in many crafts, including cross-stitch, embroidery, and quilting. She enjoyed playing golf, solving word puzzles, reading, and lively games of Trivial Pursuit. A devoted sports fan, she followed football and baseball closely and was an enthusiastic University of Michigan supporter- toward the end of her life when she was significantly impaired due to dementia she could still sing the U of M fight song!

Ruth is remembered by many as someone who lived her faith and shared her love of Jesus in practical ways, including a very practical way of sharing the Gospel that helped others come to know Jesus. She consistently faced each day with a joyful heart, no matter what challenges came her way, even when the challenge was dementia. She retained her kind heart and playful sense of humor throughout, often bringing smiles to those around her.

Ruth is survived by her daughters: Yvonne (David Rideout) Tempel and Katherine (Michael) Krompascik; grandchildren: Kendra and Eleanor Rideout, Owen and Grace Krompascik; Sister in law, Jean (Jack) Smith, and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by both parents and all four brothers. Burial will be held on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 from 1-3pm at Spring Grove Funeral Home and Cemetery in Ohio. A Celebration of Ruth’s life will be held at Flint Citadel Corps on December 19, 2025 6-8:30pm. Those desiring to make a memorial contribution may do so to the Flint Citadel Salvation Army or the caregivers at ActivCare Mission Bay.

Donations:

ActivCare Mission Bay:

Make checks out to ActivCare Mission Bay, memo: “Caregiver Fund”

Mail to: 2440 Grand Avenue, San Diego, CA 92109

Flint Citadel Salvation Army:

Anyone wishing to donate should mark the donation "In Memory Of" and list Ruth Tempel.

https://donate.sagreatlakes.org/give/172670/#!/donation/checkout