Ruth P. Abbey

Ruth Pauline Abbey, 92, of Battle Creek passed away Monday November 1, 2010 surrounded by her family and caregivers. She was born on December 24, 1917 in Allen, MI to Andrew and Emily (Donnelly) Keating. Ruth graduated from Allen High School in 1935 and Argubright Business College in 1937. She married Philip J. Abbey on September 14, 1946, he preceded her in death on March 12, 1966. Ruth was employed by W.K. Kellogg Foundation from 1937 to 1948 and the Kellogg Community College from 1966 until she retired in 1984. She is survived by daughters, Nancy (David) Schweitzer and Margie (Vince) Miller, both of Battle Creek; a son, James (Toni) Abbey, of Durango, CO; grandchildren, Vanessa (Leo) Taveras, of New York City, Lindsey (Chris) Walden, Andrea (Jake) Barker, Natalie Miller, all of Battle Creek; a step-granddaughter, Timmie Murphy, of Durango, CO; special niece, Dawn Kunkler; along with many nieces and nephews. Ruth was expecting her first great grandchild in December of 2010. She was also preceded in death by three siblings, Helen Kunkler, Donald Keating, and Florence Baechler. Ruth was a member of St. Philip Catholic Church, its Council of Catholic Women, Burnham Brook, A.A.R.P., and Retired School Personnel. She enjoyed walking, playing cards, sports, and spending time with her grandchildren. Family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home where a Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10 a.m. Friday at St. Philip Catholic Church with Rev. Charles Fischer officiating. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be given to "In the Spirit of Community" c/o Battle Creek Area Catholic Schools, or Good Samaritan Hospice