Ruth Matteson

People who knew Ruth Matteson were blessed – by her unconditional love and her generosity of spirit. Family was the cornerstone of her life, and as a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, she did everything she could to support and encourage her loved ones. Ruth was a woman of devout faith in the Lord Jesus Christ who, through her love and hard work, provided a strong and benevolent foundation for her family.

The 1930s were a notoriously frightening time in United States history. After the collapse of the stock market in 1929, the U.S. found itself facing a time of great change and hardships, but also a time that built strength and perseverance. With Herbert Hoover in the White House, Babe Ruth wowing the world on the baseball field, and Mickey Mouse making his first appearances in comic strips, this was a time of many beginnings. On a farm just outside Wayland, Michigan, Howard and Lucille (Crocker) Clack were preparing their home for the beginning of a new life. On December 6, 1930, the couple welcomed the birth of their daughter, Ruth, into the world.

Ruth was the third of four children: Willy, Bette, Ruth and Barbara. She and her siblings grew up on their farm in Wayland, and attended the rural area school. Their father was a hardworking farmer, but later moved the family in town when he went to work delivering fuel and fuel oil to area farmers. Ruth was an active little girl, despite having contracted rheumatic fever and having to learn to walk again. Her doctors told her parents that she wouldn’t be able to have children (but she later proved them wrong). Ruth missed 2 years of school because of her illness, but it didn’t take her long to get back into the swing of things and excel in all her studies. She was quite the “drama” queen too as she performed in several of the school plays. Ruth proudly graduated valedictorian of her class from Wayland High School in 1950.

Like many teenagers, Ruth had an after school job working at a local diner. One night, a group of guys came in just as they were ready to close and ordered a bunch of food (the kitchen was already cleaned). Although Ruth wasn’t happy about this, there was a bright side – she met a handsome young man named Win Matteson, who would one day win her heart. In the fall of 1949, Ruth’s brother and Win’s sister set them up on their first date and with that, their love story had begun. A year later, on November 25, 1950, Ruth and Win were happily married in the Calvary Church in Wayland. The newlyweds lived with Win’s parents until the spring and then they moved into a rustic cottage that had an outhouse and a hand pump to get water. To add to the fun of living there, Ruth and Win welcomed the births of their three oldest children: Win III, Laura and Kevin. Bursting at the seams, the couple soon built a home on family land (which they later added on to twice), and completed their family with the births of their youngest children, Jon and Shelee.

Ruth was never one to stand still, but always doing something productive. Before the children were born, Ruth worked for a short time at Checker Cab, but then Win went to work at GM in addition to the farm and she stayed home with the kids. In later years, when they had an empty nest, Ruth went to work as a bookkeeper and driver for the family marine – Matteson Marine. A devoted mother, Ruth was always active in the lives of her children, supporting them in their school events and attending all their sporting events. Some years later, she would have the same enjoyment from watching her grandchildren and even her great grandson’s games.

Ruth loved to travel. She would take the whole family and even friends to Canada each year on a fishing trip. The guys in the family continue this tradition today. Summers meant a camping trip to a State Park in Pentwater. A few winters were spent in Flordia with her husband in the later years. But the highlight of her travels had to be the trip her and Win took to Alaska in the fall of 2001. They took a cruise and land tour that even included dog sledding. Ruth talked about that trip all the time.

For Ruth, family was the greatest source of happiness in her life, and she created a home for them where love was plentiful. She loved cooking for her family and they loved everything she made. Some of her specialties included her roast beef, Spanish meatballs, canned peaches, pickles and relish. Ruth enjoyed teaching her daughters how to cook too. For Ruth, doughnuts were the ultimate food! Yes, the Matteson house was a bustling place. Aside from 5 children, there was always a dog and maybe a cat running around, and her kids raised hogs and cattle too. When Ruth did settle down to some much deserved relaxation, she loved to sew, knit and quilt, or spend the day lying in the sun with a good book. Ruth also liked water-skiing and snowmobiling with the family. Sadly, Ruth suffered a stroke about 10 years ago and it kept her from being able to do the things she loved. Yet, Ruth had her devout faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and beloved husband to rely on through these difficult times.

Ruth was a marvelous wife, mother and grandmother whose love and dedication leaves her family with wonderful memories and a strong foundation to look to for comfort.

Ruth Matteson, age 81, passed away on Thursday, July 12, 2012, at the Pennock Hospital. Visit with her family and friends and view her life story film on Sunday, July 15, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell; 120 Woodhams Street (685-5881). A funeral service will be held on Monday, July 16, at the Orangeville Baptist Church; 6921 Marsh Road at 11:00 a.m.

Ruth’s family includes her husband of 61 years, Win; her children: Win III (Bette), Laura (Rich), Kevin (Kelli), Jon (Teri), Shelee (Stephen); 18 grandchildren; 43 great grandchildren; and sister, Bette. She was preceded in death by her brother, Wilbert, and her sister, Barbara. Please visit Ruth’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can share a memory or photo and sign her online guest book before coming to the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to The Gideon’s or to Orangeville Baptist Church.