Ruth Hinkle

Ruth Ann Hinkle, age 82 of West Branch, Michigan, was welcomed into the presence of her Lord Jesus Christ on November 30th, 2023. Ruth was born in on August 28, 1941, the daughter of Edgar Bushman and Mabel Bronikowski. She attended Redford Union High School in Detroit, Michigan. Ruth was married to Ron Hinkle, the father of her children, in her younger years. Ruthie lived life to the fullest because her belief was that God gave her this life to live it and this is how she did that; she poured her love for the Lord into the people around her in abundance and unapologetically sparkled and shined brightly everywhere she went. She had a youthful spirit, and a sense of humor that was contagious. She was also known for her bling; she loved her some bling, and she was a sharp dresser too, with all her jewelry accessories and matching purses; she was gifted with pulling colors together, it was her thing and she did it so well, making things beautiful. Ruthie never met a stranger; if you talked to her once, you felt like you had known her for years. She could and would talk to anyone! Ruthie was called by many, Ruth the truth; because she was humble and kind, transparent about her own struggles and lovingly honest about what she was seeing, directly always back to the Lord. There was not a person or place in her community that she did not touch with her joy, her contagious laugh, sense of humor and her love for Jesus. She genuinely cared for people, their stories, their cares, and their needs which, if she herself could meet, she did. Ruthie was extraordinarily generous with all that she had, even if it was all she had. To the very end her home was a place of regular fellowship and late-night game playing, and good food; friendships were sacred to her, she had friends from 50 plus years ago and even in her 80’s would be the one to travel and visit them all over the state; a true dear friend she was. She trusted the Lord no matter the trial, no matter the struggle, she just knew the Lord was with her. Her faith and positive outlook encouraged everyone around her to also trust and believe. Her life was a true testimony, and her name has certainly been added to the Heros of faith. Ruthie was born in Toledo, Ohio and then lived in the Detroit area in her younger years. During her time in Detroit, she had a variety of jobs that kept her busy gaining many new skills. Ruthie was an entertainer for many years, traveling with her band all around Michigan and Indiana, she was known as “Detroit Suzy.” Ruthie was a very creative and resourceful person. She made everything from jewelry, to hats, to craft show items to earn additional income all her life. Ruthie also at a young age taught herself how to read music and play the piano. Her daughters and the neighborhood kids have many fun filled memories of being gathered around the piano singing and tapping metal spoons in rhythm. Ruthie moved to West Branch, Michigan approximately 30 years ago. She did everything from managing a camp ground to being everyone’s favorite Manager, for many years, at the local Ponderosa where she retired from. She was also a secretary at Standish Middle School. However, her most impactful work came after she retired when she was a volunteer for DHHS as a Driver/Transporter from 2005-2023 and for Probate, assisting with Holdovers, Saturday School and Mentoring families from 2010-2023. Ruthie was always very active in the churches she was a part of, starting in 1984 when she said yes to Jesus. Soon after that, her home became a house church. After moving to West Branch, she attended New Life for over 20 years and then transferred her membership to Faith Alive where she has attended for about 14 years. Ruthie was always very active with her church family; praise team, bible studies, and fellowship. Ruthie has left behind her two daughters, Kimberly Jeltema (Dennis Jeltema) of Cedar Springs, Michigan and Kristin Burton of Grandville, Michigan; grandson, Talon Drewel of Kentwood, Michigan; niece, Tracy Bushman Goad and her children, Brittney, Brandon and Bradley Goad, all of Toledo, Ohio; cousins, Terry Gregory, of Alger, MI and Steve Mason (Alanna) of Dearborn, MI; second cousins, Lisa Maura (Columbo) of Dearborn, MI, Brian Mason (Erica) of Atlanta, Georgia, Donald Gregory (Jessica) of Whitelake, MI, Hope Gregory (Ali), of Dearborn, MI, Gabrielle Gregory (Kevin) of Oak Park, MI; and Jason Gregory (Pekisha) of Hazel Park, MI. She was preceded in death by her father, Edgar Bushman; mother, Mabel Bronikowski; brothers, Bernie Bronikowski and Bill Bushman; aunt, Alice Mason; uncle, Ray Mason; son-in-law, Jerome Burton; and father of her children, Ronald Hinkle. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Thursday, December 14, 2023, from 11:00 am until 12:00 pm at Faith Alive Church Event Center, 601 Progress St. West Branch, MI 48661. There will be a luncheon following the service. In lieu of flowers, monetary donations can be sent to Ogemaw Probate Court, 806 West Houghton Ave, Room 203, West Branch, MI, 48661 - Making checks payable to: Project Path Finder. To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Ruthie’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory or photo, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ruth Hinkle, please visit our flower store.