Ruth M. Kelliher

Ruth Marilyn “Ruthie” (Collis) Kelliher, age 94, of Rochester Hills, passed away peacefully and was embraced by the loving arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ, on September 2, 2025. Ruthie was a devoted matriarch, a cherished friend, and an unwavering source of love and support for her family.

She was born on July 25, 1931, in Detroit, Michigan, to Lester “Red” and Mary Collis. Ruthie was the eldest of two siblings, James and Kay. Ruthie graduated from Lincoln High School and married her high school sweetheart, Alfred John “Jack” Kelliher Jr. in 1949.

She dedicated her life to nurturing her family, raising her three children, David, Michael, and Cheryl, with compassion and wisdom. Her home was always filled with warmth, laughter, and her famous homemade cookies, which she generously shared with anyone who visited (as long as Jack didn’t get to them first).

Ruthie helped run Kelliher Market with her husband, Jack, in Ferndale, Michigan. After closing their doors, she went to work as a Loan Representative for Commercial Loans at Wayne Oakland Bank in Royal Oak, before eventually retiring from National City Bank. She was a Den Mother for her sons’ scout troop, a member of the Women’s Club in Madison Heights, an avid card player, and a member of the St. Paul’s United Methodist church of Rochester, Michigan.

She will be remembered for her infectious laugh, uplifting, positive attitude, encouragement of others, and genuine acceptance of everyone who came across her path.

Ruthie is preceded in death by her loving husband, Alfred John “Jack” Kelliher Jr; her parents, Lester Collis and Mary Edgerton; brother, James (Ann) Collis, and her eldest son, David Kelliher. She is survived by her sister, Kay Englund of Sterling Heights; her children, Michael Kelliher of Gladwin and Cheryl (John) Coscarelli of Suttons Bay; her grandchildren, Matthew (Gwen) Kelliher of Nunica, Rev. Marc (Julie) Kelliher of Shawano, Wisconsin, Melissa (Jeff) Sebastian of Marysville, and Anthony (Shawna) Coscarelli, of Rochester Hills; 15 great grand children; 1 great-great granddaughter; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends who will cherish her memory.

A celebration of Ruthie's life will be held at the King's Cove Clubhouse in Rochester Hills on Saturday, November 29, 2025 from 1-4pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of her beloved mother-in-law (Agnes Kelliher) and step-mother (Ida Collis) may be made to Alzheimer’s Association-Michigan Chapter. Contributions may also be made to the American Cancer Society, as Ruthie was a breast cancer survivor and wanted to help continue the fight for others.

The family would like to thank all of Ruthie's caregivers and Residential Hospice for her wonderful care.