I tried earlier to submit this....  I was so sad to find this obit this evening. Aunt Ruth and I have corresponded for years.   She would stop to visit my husband's mom, Ginny Hartley, every year when she went back to Mansfield for her reunion there with Eloise.  Ginny lived with us for years and Ruth came to stay a few times.  Her b-day card was returned to me in November and I wrote again at Christmas.  When this one was returned I searched Google and found her obit.  We are so sad to loose her and sorry for your loss as well to the rest of her family.

I had the honor of attending Calvary Church in Ann Arbor  with Ruth. She became a great friend of the family and a sister in Christ. As a teenager, I appreciated that she allowed me to do odd jobs for her, even though she still had enough spunk to do it herself! She truly displayed quite a bit of gusto!

Those of us who were the friends and relatives of the first twelve residents of Huron Woods, an innovative, family-style home for loved ones with dementia, will never forget Ruth Husung.  From the very start, she was an organizer, a spirits-booster whose jolly humor and energy helped us focus our visits on warmth and friendship for our relatives and each other.  Ruth sparked the formation of a mutual-support group that persisted for over a decade as we stood by each other all the way through to final farewells for our Huron Woods parents and Ruth's beloved nurse-friend Mary Schroeder.  Then for years beyond, Ruth summoned us to gather again and share precious memories.  Ruth also gave lively presentations at Anne Robinson's workshops on the new person-centered approach to dementia-care, surely inspiring caregivers who went on to implement the practices to which Ruth was so dedicated.  I'm sure I speak for Alice, Myrna, Joan, Nina, Lydia, Anne, William, and many others who will always remember Ruth with gratitude and love.

I had lost track of Ruth (my fault) and I visit Glacier Hills frequently so I could have paid her a visit.  She was a customer at our store (Leslie Office Supply, Inc.) and shared a mutual admiration with my later boss, her neighbor, Woody Holman.  Quite a lady who combined compassion and dedication with an unique splash of humor!

Ruth was well known by faculty and nursing service providers.I witnessed her devotion and dedication to nursing through her personal and professional commitments.
Norma K. Marshall Ph.D
Professor Emeritus of Nursing

My heartfelt sympathy to the Husung family. In 2003-2005, I was a student at EMU earning my MSW along with certification in Alzheimer's/Other Dementias when I met Ms. Husung. She was so very nice and pleasant to meet and talk with. So sorry to hear of your loss.

Ruth was a truly wonderful woman.  She worked so hard on her Alzheimer's fundraising and the walks each year.  I was privileged to have her and Mary as my next door neighbors on Arbana. She will be missed.
Anne Cooper

Dear Eloise,  I was a long time friend of Ruth's through her Alzheimer's work.  We enjoyed many wonderful moments together both socially and work related. Her wacky sense of humor was always a joy.  And her passion and dedication to bettering the lives of people with dementia was wonderful. She spoke to many of my classes over the years and they were always in awe of her.

I met you several times over the years and want to extend my sympathy to you and your family.

I am in Los Angeles caring for my ill mother so cannot be at the service unfortunately.  But please know I am there in spirit.  

With best regards,
Beth Spencer

Heartfelt sympathy to the Husung family. Ruth was a wonderful person and a joy to all. She will be greatly missed.

To the family of Ruth -- my sincere sympathy is extended to each of you. Ruth was a wonderful, kind and thoughtful member of Calvary while I served as her pastor. Blessings and prayers.

To Ruth's family,  I was so shocked to learn of her death this morning.   Ruth contributed much to nursing from her work at University Hospital and then later in life for people with dementia.  She was an early member of The Nursing History Society of The University of Michigan.  We did her oral history in 2001 and I will bring you a copy on Friday.   Peace and Grace to you all during this time of loss.  Linda

OBITUARY

Ruth Husung

November 9, 1921 – March 2, 2015

Muehlig Funeral Chapel

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