Burial will follow at Evergreen, Cemetery.
Ruthe Margaret Clarke was born March 19, 1939, to Cecil and Louise (Mazo) Clarke in Lansing Michigan. She grew up and attended school there, graduating from Eastern High School. Ruthe went on to attend Lansing Community College. In the late 60’s, she began work as a Respiratory Therapist for Ingham Medical in Lansing. It was there that she met Gary King and they were united in marriage on September 19, 1975, in Lansing. In September of 1983, Gary moved to Aberdeen, SD, to start work at Avera St. Luke’s Hospital. Ruthe followed in early 1984 to take a job as a Respiratory Therapist at Dakota Midland Hospital. Shortly thereafter, Ruthe was made Technical Director of the department. After the merger of St. Luke’s and Dakota Midland, Ruthe worked in the Cardiology department of St. Luke’s. She retired from there, but later went to work for Avera@Home home care.
Ruthe was a member of Aberdeen First UMC. She served as a First Lieutenant in the Civil Air Patrol of the Air Force Auxiliary and was the Safety Officer of the local squadron. Ruthe enjoyed serving with the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program at Christmas time. She was an avid reader. Gary and Ruthe were inseparable. She would even go with him while he hunted turkey and fished. Her greatest joy came from being with family and truly loved her children and grandchildren.
Grateful for having shared Ruthe’s life are her husband: Gary King; her children: Michele (Daymon) Martin, Kim (Larry) Wilbur, Steven Wilson and Rebecca (Chene) Scott; grandchildren: Tamara (Lester) Nash, Amanda (Josh) McClain, Maryann Morgan, Dama Martin, Danny King, Hannah King, Andrew (Laddarin) Wilbur, Liam Wilbur, Aislinn Wilbur, Sarah Groth, Shelly (Joe) Ashpole, Samantha Groth (Chris Wentz), Steven Groth, Scott Groth (Lauren Pies), Katie Groth and Kiana Rennison; and her great-grandchildren: Jenaye Campos, Jazmine Wilson, Adam Martin, Kayla McClain, Logan McClain, Tylanyia Littlejohn, Lizelle Wilbur, Bradley Perry, Kellan Ashpole, Paris Ashpole, Ashanti Ashpole, Giovanni Ashpole, Shyla Ashpole, Waylon Wentz, Leandra Groth, Zain Groth, Izzy Groth, and Addy Groth.
Preceding Ruthe in death are her parents: Cecil and Louise Clarke; her brother Harold Clarke; and a special aunt, Oleta Vaughn
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grlansing.com for the King family.
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