Ruth Newman

Although quiet and more reserved by nature, Ruth Newman’s heart was as big as they come. She was deeply devoted to her loved ones and a genuine nurturer through and through. A more loving wife and mother would be hard to find as she completely immersed herself into caring for her children throughout her life. Upon spending only a few moments with her, it was easy to discern that she was a woman of faith as it was her faith that was the compass she used to direct her steps. Forever missed, Ruth’s memory will be forever cherished by all who were blessed to know and love her.

Life during the early 1900s was drastically different than the life we know and love in America today. Unsafe working conditions were commonplace, and with a lack of child labor laws it was often the nation’s youth who paid the highest price. Although we had hopes of remaining neutral during WWI, repeated hostilities in the Pacific brought us into the fight in 1917. Thankfully, it was the following year when America and our allies were victorious and poised for greatness. Also in 1918, John and Wilma (Stayman) Lukins were pleased to announce the birth of the baby girl they named Ruth on May 5, 1918, in Martin, Michigan. Her parents were hardworking farmers, and her mother was also a schoolteacher.

Raised in the family home in Martin, Ruth was the youngest of five children in her family as she was joined by her siblings, Russell, Gertrude, Paul, and Mary Jane. She was a student at local schools where she served in planning committees. Ruth enjoyed roller skating and led the grand march at the Otsego Roller Rink. In addition, she liked things like playing a little piano and even baseball. However, she didn’t have a bat or glove so Ruth’s father took a wooden shingle and whittled a bat for her! She went on to graduate from Martin High School in 1936.

After graduating, Ruth was eager for all that life had in store. She worked at a local diner, which proved to be quite fateful as it was there that she met the young man who would forever hold the key to her heart. His name was Barney Newman, and he delivered milk from a dairy. Sparks flew right from the start, and it wasn’t long before the couple found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together, Ruth married the milkman in her parents' home in 1941. The newlyweds stayed in Martin after getting married, and her husband soon went into the service. With his military duties fulfilled, he returned home, and it wasn’t long before the couple discovered that they would be parents. Together Ruth and Barney welcomed two children, Carol and Jan, into their hearts and home.

Throughout her life Ruth made it seem effortless to care for her home and family. She had learned to make homemade pies from her mother, and they were the most amazing treat, too! They enjoyed trips all over Michigan every summer and often went up to Northern Michigan. Ruth was an animal lover, which meant that they often had a dog for a pet. She was especially partial to her dog, Mitzi. They also had cats, but they were not pets. Ruth was such a nurturer, which meant that people were naturally drawn to her, especially kids. She was there for whatever her children needed including how she brought out her special blue comforter when her children were sick.

In addition to caring for her family, Ruth kept busy in other ways, too. She had been baptized as a young child, and she was a lifelong member of Martin United Methodist Church. No matter what came her way, Ruth’s faith was always solid and completely unwavering. In addition to her fantastic pies, she was also a great cook who enjoyed trying new things in the kitchen as well. Christmas was always her favorite holiday as she looked forward to showering her family with her love.

With unending devotion to her family, Ruth Newman was a blessing to her loved ones. She was very quiet by nature, but she was also very observant out of her genuine care and concern for those around her. A selfless wife and mother, Ruth lived to care for her husband and children, and she was continually encouraging her children to reach out to others both by her actions and her words. Although she will be deeply missed, she will never be forgotten.

Ruth Newman, of Martin, died on December 9, 2015, at Bronson Hospital. Ruth’s family includes her two children: Carol Newman and Jan (Alan) Brinkert and nieces and nephews. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Myron “Barney;” siblings: Russell Fenner, Gertrude Fenner Beasecker, John Paul Lukins and Mary Jane Lukins Scheltema. Visit with her family and friends Wednesday, December 16 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the Martin United Methodist Church; 969 E Allegan St. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the same location. Please visit Ruth’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo and sign her memory book online. Memorial donations can be made to the Martin United Methodist Church or the Martin Library.