WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Ruth Violet Marchand, 88, of Constantine, and former longtime Sturgis resident, passed away early Sunday morning, Dec. 25, 2011, at Fairview Nursing and Rehabilitation Community in Centreville.
She was born Oct. 27, 1923, in Baldwin, a daughter of the late Jesse and Della (Baldwin) Miller.
Ruth had resided with her daughter in Constantine since 2007. Prior to that, she lived in Sturgis for many years.
On July 29, 1939, she married George W. Marchand in LaGrange, Ind. He died Nov. 8, 1997.
Ruth was a dedicated homemaker, wife, mother and grandmother, and had been employed by Michiana Container for eight years. She also had worked at Scovel Manufacturing and Transogram Company, both in Sturgis. She enjoyed knitting and crocheting, but what made her truly happy was when she was surrounded by her family she so dearly loved.
Ruth is survived by three daughters, Della (Robert) McDaniel of Constantine, Marsha (William) Wood of Constantine and Sandy Hettinger of Florida; three sons, Charles (Sue) Marchand of Sturgis, George Marchand of Mendon and Floyd (Cathy) Marchand of Sturgis; 22 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; four brothers, Gary Miller of Three Rivers, James Miller of Norfolk, Ark., Albert (Shirley) Miller of Sturgis and Howard Miller of Sturgis; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two sons, Howard Marchand and Jesse Marchand; a granddaughter, Sherrie Brown; a grandson, Martin McDaniel; a great-grandson, Nathan Long; two sisters, Marguerite Busz and Martha Marchand; and three brothers, David Miller, Harold “Pug” Miller and Donald Miller.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at Hackman Family Funeral Homes – Hackman Chapel, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis. Funeral services celebrating the life of Ruth Marchand will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. The Rev. Randy Geans of Faith Tabernacle Church in Three Rivers will officiate. A graveside committal will follow the service at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mrs. Marchand’s memory consider the charity of one’s own choice.
Her obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhome.com, where personal messages of support may be left for the family.
