Ruth Anne Herendeen

Ruth Anne Herendeen, age 93, of Marcellus, died on April 12, 2026, at Rose Arbor Hospice surrounded by family. She was born on March 27, 1933, in Bloomington, Indiana, the daughter of Dr. Melville and Irene (VanLaningham) Ross. Ruth moved to Greenfield, Indiana in the fifth grade, and she was a 1951 graduate of Greenfield High School. She attended Indiana University to study business where she met her future husband Donald E. Herendeen. They were married on November 15, 1954. The couple moved to Germany, where Don was stationed in the U.S. Army. They returned to Indiana and Don began medical school, while Ruth worked at Eli Lilly. They later moved to Michigan and raised their family. While Ruth's most rewarding role was mother to her four children, she also enjoyed traveling, volunteering, and playing bridge. She was a member of the Philanthropic Education Organization (PEO) and the Kalamazoo Area Medical Alliance (KAMA). In later years, Ruth enjoyed the friendship and support of her neighbors at Cedar Lake. Ruth will be remembered as a loving mother, wife, and grandmother; a devoted friend, and a good listener. She enjoyed learning about the many places that she traveled. When asked what she liked best about her favorite destinations, her short answer was "the people." Ruth was happiest spending time with family and friends. She had a quick wit and an easy beautiful smile that she shared generously. Ruth will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her children: Eric (Damita Crouse) Herendeen, Daniel Herendeen, Julia (Mark) Shultz, and Patricia (Robert) Naylor; her grandchildren: Alison (Matt Crauer) Herendeen, Donald Herendeen, Sarah Shultz, Erik (Janice) Shultz, Alan Shultz, Rachel (Christian) McIntyre, and Laura Naylor; her five great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter-in-law Anne Beaupre Herendeen, sister Meredith White, brother-in-law Frank White, and nephew Jim White. Friends may gather with her family on Saturday, May 30th at 10:00 AM at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, 3926 S. 9th Street, Kalamazoo, with her funeral service at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Ruth may be made to the Michigan PEO Fund, PO Box 180, Grand Blanc, MI 48480, or the charity of your choice.