Ruthann Bryer

Ruthann M. Bryer, 76, of Portage, MI, passed away on Monday, September 2, 2019. She was born on January 7, 1943, in Plainfield, NJ, the youngest of five children to Theodore Haag Sr. and Irene (Matson) Haag. The Swedish family moved to Baltimore, where they celebrated Christmas on Christmas Eve and would go bowling and ice skating on Christmas Day. When Ruthann was around 10 years old, the family moved to Kalamazoo where they remained. She met her husband, Terry Bryer, at a young age at Crooked Lake. They made that home and raised their 3 children there. Ruthann developed a love of plants and landscaping at her Eagle Lake home. Together, Terry and Ruthann created and operated The Bryer Patch, a greenhouse/nursery in Texas Township for over 20 years. Ruthann was a member and leader of many Garden Clubs and gave plant lectures to anyone inquiring. Ruthann adored her family. She enjoyed making time to take vacations and make memories with her family and her sisters. Unfortunately, with Ruthann's sight declining, they sold The Bryer Patch and moved to Ackley Lake in Paw Paw, where she attended First Presbyterian Church. Surviving are her two Daughters and a Son, Lauren (Curt) Smith, Scott (Shirlyn) Bryer, and Stephanie (Charles) Pfister; two Grandchildren, Andrew Bryer and Erin (Kenneth) Bryer Burris; one Great-Grandchild, Finn Burris; a Sister, Joan Osborn, and a host of nieces, nephews, and other loving family and friends. Ruthann was preceded in death by her loving Husband of 48 years, Terry A. Bryer; her Parents, and three siblings. A celebration of her life will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 120 Pine Street, on Saturday, September 21, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Tiffany McCafferty officiating. A reception will follow at the church for continued fellowship. A private family interment will take place in the Hope Cemetery, Kalamazoo, at a later date. If you have a memory of how Ruthann touched your life, the family would appreciate a card or share online at www.adamspawpaw.com. Memorial contributions may be made out to First Presbyterian Church of Paw Paw, SouthernCare Hospice, or the Foundation Fighting Blindness. To sign the online guest book, go to www.adamspawpaw.com.