Ruth C Suobank

Ruth Katherin (Annala) Suobank, died August 8, 2023, age 97, was born January 3, 1926 at Palmer, Michigan to Kustaa (Gust) Annala and Sanna Laukkonen Annala. Ruth was raised at the family farm near Gwinn, Michigan baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church, and graduated Gwinn High School in 1944. Ruth married Walter Michael 'Bulla' Suobank of Beacon (Champion), Michigan, February 12, 1946. Two sons were born to this union: Paul Michael, born 1947 in Marquette, Michigan and David Walter, born 1955 in Detroit, Michigan. The family made their first home in Marquette, later in Detroit and Novi (in southern Michigan), Bentonville and finally Rogers (in NW Arkansas). Ruth was widowed when Walter died on February 8, 1976, after thirty years of happy marriage. She is survived by both sons: Paul Suobank of Canehill, Arkansas and David Suobank and his wife Elizabeth Key Suobank of Rogers, Arkansas. Ruth is preceded in death by her eleven siblings: Saimi, John, Sanna, Julia, Anna, Martha, Elsie, Ellen, Sanna, Bertha and Andrew. She is survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, all with whom she was very close. Ruth was very active all her life. She enjoyed swimming, hiking, fishing, travel, visiting her family and friends across the United States, dancing, live music, and holidays. She was an accomplished wood carver and craftswoman. She enjoyed homemaking and was a dedicated mother opting to stay at home to raise her two boys. She was the perfect hostess. Ruth was a supporter of the military veterans and worked as volunteer at the VA Hospital in Fayetteville, Arkansas for nearly twenty years. She was a lifetime member of the VFW. She retired from Daisy Manufacturing in Rogers, Arkansas after seventeen years service and then worked at Sam's Club until her late 80's. She then volunteered to package Meals-On-Wheels dinners for the local community, which she did until nearly 90 years of age. Ruth slowed-down in her 90's. She took in stride, with ever present humor, both assisted living and nursing care. Latest born and longest lived, Ruth's passing also marks the passing of her generation. In a video taped in 2001, Ruth says: "I'd like to be remembered for my thoughtfulness of others and I gave all I could give and I loved all my family very much. If I could leave this earth and leave some of me to my family: honesty, kindness, forgiving, and humor helps a lot."

No Services will be Held

Interment: Time to be arranged.

Forsyth Township Cemetery Gwinn, Michigan 49841

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Circle Of Life, Hospice in Bentonville, Arkansas.