Betty Ruble

The world was a brighter, warmer, and funnier place because of Grandma Rosie. She wasn't just a grandmother to her family-she was Grandma Rosie to her entire community, a beacon of kindness, wisdom, and good-natured mischief who made sure everyone felt loved.

Born in Marion, Indiana, on December 11, 1937, Rosie carried a spirit of adventure, generosity, and humor wherever she went. As an active member of Pathfinders Church, her faith guided her, but her ability to make anyone feel welcome was her true gift. Whether greeting someone with a warm hug, sharing a witty remark, or a fresh batch of cookies, Rosie treated everyone as though they were part of her family.

Her love for travel was unmatched, and she made sure to see all 50 states in her lifetime. She set sail on a cruise to Hawaii, basking in the island sun and ocean breeze, soaking in every bit of beauty the world had to offer. She embarked on a trip to Europe with friends, taking in the rich history, breathtaking sights, and unforgettable experiences that made the adventure one to remember. In her 80s, her adventurous spirit never waivered as she cruised through the icy waters of Alaska, marveling at the majestic humpback whales and walking across a glacier, embracing the wonder of nature with her signature joy. -she road-tripped through the New England states exploring the historic states with her son and daughter in law , Don and Marlo, proving that age was no match for her boundless energy and curiosity.

Back home, Rosie made an impact in ways both big and small. Every year, she dedicated herself to knitting hats for the local elementary schools and attending the annual church youth group trip to Henderson, Kentucky. Always ensuring that each stitch carried warmth and love. And in her own neighborhood, she formed a special bond with the deer outside her apartment window, greeting them like old friends and sneaking them treats-until the apartment manager caught on. But knowing Rosie, she never let a little rule get in the way.

She had a knack for making life entertaining, too. There were few men in town whose pants she hadn't been in-strictly for hemming, of course! She took pride in her expert tailoring, and whether someone needed a simple fix or a full alteration, Rosie made sure they looked their best. And when it came to her fabric collection? Let's just say she made hoarding fabric and craft supplies look like the cover of Better Homes and Gardens. If there was ever an emergency requiring yards of material, buttons, and a little creativity, Grandma Rosie had it covered-literally.

She reunites now with her beloved husband, Harold Dean Ruble, who preceded her in passing. But she leaves behind an incredible family who will carry her love forward: her son, Donald Ruble, and his wife, Marlo; her daughter, Elizabeth Watkins; her treasured grandchildren-Kathy Watkins, Randi Ruble, Cody Ruble and his wife Jackson, Alyssa Ruble Westendorp and her husband Zach; Andrew Nicholas, and Marlo's sons, Stefan VanderMolen and Alex Watkins. Her great-grandchildren Zene, Demitrious, and Rose Watkins, will always know the joy of being loved by Grandma Rosie. She is also survived by her dear sister, Reta Harris, and her husband, Greg Harris.

And we certainly can't forget her great- furkids, Teddy, Jake, Rory, Maggie, Patrick Leroy, Ace, Dora, and Ms. Howard, and Stevie-who brought her endless joy, companionship and plenty of sneezing, each one holding a special place in her heart.

Though she has left this world, her laughter will still echo in our hearts, her cookies will forever taste like home, and her unstoppable spirit will remind us all to live life with love, humor, and just a touch of mischievous fun.

Rest easy, Grandma Rosie. You were one of a kind, and we'll keep your joy alive in every shared laugh, every act of kindness, and every perfectly hemmed pair of pants.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 5, 2025, from 1PM to 3PM at Pathfinder Church, 8740 South Westnedge Avenue, Portage, Michigan 49002, with a funeral service to immediately follow. in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the church, or to Centrica Care Navigators, 7100 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49009.