M. Ruth Richardson

Richardson, M.Ruth 12/5/1925 - 2/28/2022 Naples, FL M. Ruth Richardson passed away 2/28/22 in Naples, FL at the age of 96. This, like all obituaries, will list the details of her life, but what you need to understand foremost is she was the most lovingly devoted woman one could know. She was present for all of us when we needed her and never faltered in her support. Her foundation was the strength for many who shared her life. Ruth was born December 5, 1925, and her radiant smile epitomized the phrase "When Irish eyes are smiling". She grew up in Galesburg, MI and frequently mentioned how much she enjoyed her childhood in the small town. She graduated from Galesburg High School in 1944. Ruth is survived by her husband, Dale Richardson. They lived for many years in Kalamazoo, MI and eventually became full time residents of Naples, FL. Ruth & Dale delighted in traveling the world together. Ruth leaves behind three children: M. Scott (Jacqueline) Pierman, Martin (Cathy) Pierman and Maureen Sanders (Stuart Wright). Daughter Michele Pierman preceded her death in 1994. Also surviving are four grandchildren: Peter (Jenny) Pierman, Sarah Brininger, Megan (Lucas) Nienhuis and Garrett Pierman, and seven great-grandchildren: Avery & Elliot Brininger, Ty & Grey Nienhuis and Benjamin, Hadley & Cameron Pierman. Ruth was a matriarch who loved being surrounded by her family, all of whom cherish the moments we shared with her. Her marriage to Dale increased her family with four step-children and seven step-grandchildren. Surviving step-children are Diana (Mike) Schmitt, Kathy (Fred) Thompson, William (Valerie) Richardson and Patricia (Matt) Taitano, and surviving step-grandchildren are William Richter, Aubrey & Michele Hoffman, Amanda Mohr, Michael Richardson and Josephine & Abraham Taitano. Ruth leaves behind a niece, Colleen Klein, with whom she shared a very special relationship, and two nephews, Danny First and Kevin (Cynthia) Kyle. Her sisters Eleanor Gilchrist and Donna Kyle preceded Ruth in death. In 1962 she moved her family from Galesburg to Portage, MI and began working for Upjohn National Leasing Company (Burton H. & Elizabeth S. Upjohn). After 44 years she retired in 2006 as Financial Officer/Treasurer. She referred to her time working with Burt and Betty as "wonderful years", and relished her participation in the development of Parkview Hills as the first ecologically minded community in Kalamazoo, MI. Ruth enjoyed tending her spectacular garden, annual visits to the apple orchard in the fall with her family, hosting holiday family dinners & Easter egg hunts and many gatherings with friends to celebrate each other. A mass for Ruth will be held at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Naples, FL on 3/21/2022 at 10:30am, followed by a luncheon in the church's reception hall. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Avow Frances Georgeson Hospice House in Naples, FL.