Ruth Esther Boothby

Ruth Esther Boothby, 91, of Paw Paw passed away Monday, Oct. 16, 2017, at Bronson Hospital. Ruth was born Feb. 19, 1926, in Takoma Park, Md., the daughter of John and Viola (Reichenbach) Schmidt. She was preceded in passing by four brothers: John Schmidt, Paul Schmidt, Robert Schmidt, Uriah Schmidt, and one sister, Martha Kinsey.

Ruth married Charles Boothby on March 1, 1946. She is survived by a son, John (Nancy) Boothby of Kalamazoo: five daughters: Lucille Dockter of Paw Paw, Mary (Gary) Noble-Wyckoff of Bangor, Charlene (Robert) Sprick of Mattawan, Jacalyn (Robert) Beam-Wressell of Reed City, and Jerri (Clarence) Mott of Lawrence. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; three sisters: Margaret (Carl) Zimmerman of Daytona Beach Shores, Fla., Barbra Sweatman of Elgin, S. C., Mildred Stanley of House Shoe, N. C., and one brother, Louis (Esther) Schmidt.

Ruth was a graduate of Shenandoah Valley Academy in New Market, Va. After graduation, she worked as a waitress and baker in her brother, John and father’s bakery until she married Charles and moved to Lawrence, Mich. She was known for her excellent cooking and baking, and was especially famous for her sweet rolls which she shared with family and friends. She was an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary for over 50 years.

A memorial service for Ruth was held at the Paw Paw Seventh-day Adventist Church on Saturday the 21st of Oct., with Pastor Michael Taylor officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Ruth's name may be made to the Paw Paw Seventh-day Adventist Promise or the Seventh-day Adventist Church of Paw Paw Garden Memorial Fund, 60409 M-40 South, Paw Paw, MI 49079.

The family has entrusted Calvin Funeral Home of Hartford with the arrangements. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so at http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.