Battle Creek – Ruth Ellen Ware, age 98, of Battle Creek, passed away on June 1, 2018 at North Pointe Woods Assisted Living. She was born in a logging camp in Kalkaska County, Michigan on April 29, 1920, the daughter of George and Velva (Smith) Ferguson. Ruth’s family moved frequently when she was young before finally settling in Battle Creek. She graduated from Battle Creek Central High School in 1937. She was united in marriage to Richard Ware on November 1, 1937 in Lagrange, Indiana. He preceded her in death in 1992. Ruth was a member of Central Christian Church and participated in Bible study groups. She was president of the Sonoma Elementary P.T.A. and served on the district P.T.A. Council. Ruth belonged to the Democratic Party and worked on elections when G. Mennen Williams was governor. Ruth and Richard lived on the Ware family farm where she helped in the production and sale of cider and apples from the orchard. She is survived by her sons; Michael (June) Ware, Kim (Debbie) Ware and son-in-law; Thomas Stanton, Sr. Also surviving are her grandchildren; Kristen (Bryan) Gandy, Tiffany (Ben) Sybesma, Justin Ware, Shaun (Michael) Sabia, Thomas Stanton, Jr., Lisa (Robert) Whitaker, Stacy (Eric) Topmiller, Tracy Proulx and Amanda (Ed) Hammock. She had 15 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren. Ruth was preceded in death by her daughter; Sylvia Stanton, great-grandson, Thomas Stanton III, sister and brother-in-law; Joyce and Raymond Mickenham and brothers; Wesley and Lynn Ferguson. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 5, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home & Cremation Services, where funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral Home. Minister Gordon Pippin officiating with interment to follow at Oak Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan. Condolences may be left for the family at www.henryfuneralhome.org

Source:  Battle Creek Enquirer on June 3, 2018