Ruth Toothman, 53

Ruth Alice (Kohlmeyer) Toothman passed away Friday, Feb. 24, 2012, at her residence in Sturgis.

She was born May 8, 1958, in Uniontown, Pa., to James and Alice (Windgassen) Kohlmeyer.

She was the first licensed woman pyrotechnician in Michigan. Ruth liked to crochet and she especially enjoyed her cats. Ruth loved her family.

Ruth is survived by two daughters, Lisa Marie Toothman of Centreville, and Laura Lynette Toothman of Erie, Pa. She is also survived by her soul-mate Stephen Linder; her grandchildren Tristin, Sasha, and Iesha Hamilton; her mother Alice (Kohlmeyer) Swank; two sisters, Linda (Paul) Quigley of Shipshewana Ind., and Debra (William) Gilson of Shipshewana, Ind.; three brothers James (Freda) Kohlmeyer of Middlebury, Ind., William (Kathy) Kohlmeyer of Bryant,Ky., and Ron (Gayle) Kohlmeyer of Bristol, Ind.; two adopted daughters; one adopted son; and seven adopted grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father in 1987.

Viewing will be Tuesday, Feb. 28, for the family at the church from 10-11 a.m., and for friends, 11 a.m.-noon with funeral service to follow at noon at the Word Fellowship Church 27570 Marvin Rd., Centreville. There will be a dinner following the service at the church.

Memorials may be directed to the family and to Three Rivers Hospice. Arrangements by Spencer Family Funeral Home, Athens.