Wayne Ruth

Wayne Kimberly Ruth, 60, of Alpena, died Friday, January 27, 2012.

Wayne was born August 22, 1951 in Raleigh, North Carolina to Frank and Joy Ruth. He received his medical degree from Duke University in Durham, NC, after completing his undergraduate studies at North Carolina State University. He completed his internship, Residency, and Fellowship in the division of Allergy, Critical Care, and Respiratory Medicine at Duke University Medical Center, allowing him to do what he loved to do, being a physician. He practiced medicine in North Carolina and South Carolina for over twenty years before moving to Michigan. In 2010, Wayne and his family moved to Alpena, excited about his new position as Pulmonologist and Sleep Medicine Specialist at Alpena Regional Medical Center. He, his wife and step children experienced a warm and sincere welcome into this special community. Wayne truly enjoyed serving and caring for the people in the Alpena area. His passion in life was medicine, but it was equaled in devotion to family. He was especially proud of his son, Garrett, as he is finishing his second year at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. Wayne also loved to hunt deer and cast his line in the river. He leaves a tremendous void in the lives of many he has touched and will be greatly missed.

Surviving are his wife, Elizabeth; son, Garrett of Columbia, S.C.; two step sons, Gray and Walker Martin of Alpena; brother, Preston Ruth of Raleigh, N.C. and sister Franky Ruth of New Hill, N.C.

Memorials may be made to the Alpena High School Athletic Program.

McWilliams Funeral Home - Alpena has been entrusted with care of Dr. Wayne Ruth. A private memorial service will be planned in the future.