Ruth Tennant-McLean

Rochester Hills, Michigan

Ruth Tennant-McLean passed away on Friday, April 8, 2011, from heart disease.

Ruth was born on May 6, 1917 on a farm established by her grandfather just north of Traverse City, Michigan. She was proud that this well preserved farm has become an historic conservancy.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 35 years: Rev. Wilson Tennant, and her parents, Frank and Myrtle Campbell, and brothers, Robert, Loren, Howard and Kenneth Campbell.

She leaves a family that she loved dearly and who loved her including her 2 daughters, Caroljean Tennant of Auburn Hills, Michigan and Ruth Ann (Tennant) Zeigler and son-in-law, Bud Gilbert of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. She also leaves 2 grandchildren, Karla Ruth (Zeigler) Chambe of St. Clair Shores, Michigan and Scott Alexander Zeigler of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and their loving spouses Tom Chambe and Heather Zeigler. Also much loved were her 6 great grandchildren who will miss her music and love: Vanessa Chambe (13), Austin Chambe(11), Noah Zeigler(10), Justin Chambe(9), and Gabe and Clare Zeigler(9).

During her long life music was so important to her. She was an accomplished organist and pianist, studying at Central Michigan University and music school in Detroit, Michigan and teaching music in the Traverse City schools. Ruth was organist for many Methodist churches and directed youth camp choirs, starting in her high school days. In later years Ruth was employed by the Performing Arts Department at Lansing Community College, and Forest View Elementary School where she taught music. She and daughter Caroljean did many musical programs together in Christ United Methodist Church, in Scioto Village Girl’s correctional school in Ohio and in Waltonwood Senior Living Center in Rochester Hills where Ruth lived for 11 years, making many friends who will miss her music.

Ruth traveled extensively around the world. She and Wilson took their daughters to Europe, Alaska and the Middle East when they were young. She was a “world citizen” with active concern for many important issues—fostering and passing on those values to her family. Ruth had a strong faith that was important to her and her family.

Funeral service will be held Wednesday, April 13, 10:30 a.m. at University United Methodist Church, 1120 S Harrison, East Lansing, the church that she and her husband, Rev. Wilson Tennant started in 1957 and served together for nine years.

A visitation with family and friends will take place between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 12, 2011 at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 E Grand River Ave, East Lansing. There will also be visitation one half hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in the Maple Ridge Cemetery in Holt Michigan immediately following the funeral. A meal will be served in the Holt United Methodist Church, where Wilson and Ruth also served for 12 years from 1945 until 1957. God Bless you Mom and Grandma BG.

Family has asked that donations be given to University United Methodist Church. On line condolences may be made at www.gorslineruncimaneastlansing.com.