Ruth Olech

Olech, Ruth M. Kalamazoo, MI Ruth M. Olech died peacefully Monday, January 3, 2022, at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo, MI. She was born April 12, 1934, in Saginaw, MI, daughter of George and Ruth (Sperry) Berghoff. Ruth graduated from Saginaw St. Andrew High School in 1951. She attended Nazareth College graduating with a Bachelor of Science & Nursing (BSN) in 1956. Ruth began her career as an instructor of Pediatric Nursing at St. Mary's School of Nursing in Saginaw, MI. In 1958 she began working at Bronson Methodist Hospital School of Nursing. She met and married the love of her life, John Olech, April 12, 1958. Ruth continued working full time at Borgess School of Nursing as an instructor of Pediatric Nursing while raising 3 children, Mike, Tom & Jean. In 1972 Borgess School of Nursing closed and she began her final career with Borgess Nursing Home (Birch Manor) as the Director of Nursing and rose to the rank of administrator until her retirement in 2000. Even after retirement, Ruth continued to be active with several health advisories and boards and received several awards for her community contributions. She was also very involved with her children and grandchildren's activities and endeavors as well as husband John's many hobbies and collections. Until John's sudden passing in 2011, they loved spending winters in Bonita Springs, FL where they enjoyed weeklong visits with their family. Ruth enjoyed flea markets, senior softball games, daily trips to the beach and visits from children and grandchildren. She had the deepest love for God and family. To know her was to love her, from her great giggle to her "no holds barred" demeanor, never holding back in telling you exactly what she thought. We never questioned where we stood with her. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; husband, John; daughter, Jean T. Olech; brother, George Berghoff; and sister, Lucile Muirhead. Ruth is survived by her sons, J. Michael (Margaret) Olech, and Thomas (Mindy) Olech; six grandchildren, Jacob (Hannah) Olech, Jared Olech, Elizabeth (Adam) Johnson, Jean M. Olech, Benjamin (Alexis) Olech, and Madeline Olech; eleven great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and former students who will miss her immensely. Visitation will be held 6-8 p.m. Sunday January 9th at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 3926 S. 9th St, Kalamazoo MI 49009, with a Rosary Service beginning at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Monday, January 10th at St. Augustine Cathedral, 542 West Michigan Ave, a reception will follow in the Crowley Center, and graveside services will be held at 12:30 p.m. in Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to Centrica Care Navigators. To view Ruth's personalized web page, please visit https://www.langelands.com