Vernie R. Fox

Ruth was born on April 30, 1919 in Beaverton, MI to William and Mona Mast, the second of three children. She graduated from Delta College and the University of Michigan with a Master’s degree in Speech Pathology. Ruth worked most of her career as a Speech Pathologist with the Bay Arenac Intermediate School District.

Ruth married John E. Fox in 1952 and had 3 children together. They raised their children in Essexville, Michigan, then they moved after retirement to Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, in 1994.

Ruth is survived by her daughter, Janet Fox (Kevin Dooley) of Smiths Creek, MI; her daughter, Kathryn Brainard (Benjamin C. Brainard IV), of Englewood, FL; her grandsons Benjamin C. Brainard V of Baltimore, MD, Colby B. Fox (Quincey Fox) of Simi Valley, CA, John L. Fox and Russell L. Fox both of Milpitas, CA, and great granddaughter Holland P. Fox of Simi Valley, CA. and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband John E. Fox, son John W. Fox, parents William & Mona Mast, brother Carl Mast and sister Virginia Muhlbach.

Ruth was a lifelong Presbyterian. She belonged to the First Presbyterian Church in Bay City, MI and then the Kirk in the Pines in Hot Springs Village, AR. Ruth was a social, active woman who was deeply involved with the AAUW (American Association of University Women) for 65 years in both Michigan and Arkansas. Ruth was passionate about women having the opportunity to obtain a college education, particularly in the areas of science, technology, education and math (STEM), areas where she believed women are underrepresented. In 2018, Ruth created a scholarship endowment fund in her name at Delta College to assist women in achieving their educational goals in STEM careers. She headed up and served on the local scholarship committee in the Hot Springs Village AAUW for many years. Ruth enjoyed dancing, singing, playing the piano, golf, traveling, talking politics, stock market investing, spending time at the family cabin, canoeing, playing bridge and many other games. Her family and friends will always remember her as a competitive, spirited and social person.

A funeral celebration is scheduled for 11:00 am on August 14, 2021, at the First Presbyterian Church outdoor Columbarium in Bay City, MI. The Reverend Brenna Overland will officiate.

Donations, in lieu of flowers, can be sent to the Ruth Mast Fox endowment scholarship online at www.delta.edu/donate or by mail to Delta College Foundation Office A013 1961 Delta Road, University Center, MI 48710. Please note the gift is in remembrance of Ruth Mast Fox. Checks can be made out to the Delta College Foundation and note Ruth Mast Fox on the memo line.