Lansing, Michigan; formerly of Flint, Michigan
Julia May Joseph Ruhala died peacefully Sunday, April 27, 2014, with her six children, their spouses and many of her grandchildren at her side. Children were a lifelong love, inspiration, and vocation for Julia, as she was a child advocate for her entire adult life. Born September 25, 1933, in Flint, MI, Julia was an independent minded woman of great compassion. She attended Michigan State University before raising her six children. She then returned to MSU for a Masters in Social Work, working for Catholic Social Services before becoming Executive Director for Lutheran Social Services of Michigan in Lansing. Her work’s mission was to advocate on behalf of children, assuring they would be in safe homes with loving caregivers.
Julia was married to Thomas Ruhala for 48 years before his death in 2004. Julia is survived by her children Thomas J. (Janice) Ruhala, Jenifer A. (Michael) Neller, Mark G.(Celina) Ruhala, Margaret J. (Shane) Kelly, Peter J. (Nancy) Ruhala, Susan W. (Jeffrey) Radway; and grandchildren Joseph, Alecia, Michaela, Jena (Thom), Sydney, Dane, Anna, Alison, Jordan, Thomas, and great grandson Connor.
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