Ruth Harris

Classic car nostalgia took a hit on September 30, 2019, with the passing of Ruth Edna Harris, age 75, of Olivet. She was born August 4, 1944, in Battle Creek the daughter of Alton and Isabelle (Shaull) Harris. A lifelong fan of American muscle cars, she spent her last days enjoying her collectibles and classic car artwork - complete with working taillights she had wired in herself. She died from complications related to brain cancer, specifically an inoperable glioblastoma, for which she declined treatment upon diagnosis. Ruth E. (or Ruthie), inherited the Harris gift of storytelling from her father Alton, and the Shaull tenacity from her mother Isabelle. Named after two aunts, her baby book notes that at a year old she loved music and dancing. This love lasted her entire life, as did her affection for farming, horses, fishing, motorcycles, Marilyn Monroe, vanilla ice cream sandwiches, fashion (high-heeled shoes in particular), and the colossal family Christmas trees she hunted down to decorate every year. A Girls State representative and vice-president of the Olivet High School Class of 1963, she had a talent for gardening and flower arranging that lives on in the wedding pictures of family and friends. She loved going shopping, and would quickly befriend cashiers and assistants of any store in her vicinity. Previous jobs included AE in Charlotte, Spikes Lawn & Garden, and one of her favorites - Corvette sales in Battle Creek. Immediate family members who have passed on include her sister Nancy, her parents, and her brother Jon. Her memory lives on with daughter Heather Harris-Brady, Heathers husband Don, and their two children; son Thomas Jon Harris, his wife Angie, and their children; her sister Linda (Harris) McCloud, nephew Jay and his family; Jons wife Jeanne Harris, niece Brenda and her family, and nephew Brian; as well as many others. The family wishes to thank friends, as well as the amazing Sara K. and Chrissy E. of Grace Hospice for their care and support, and the nursing department at Marshall Nursing & Rehabilitation. Graveside services will be held on Thursday, October 3, 2019, at 2:30 P.M. at Bosworth Cemetery Walton Township, Eaton County, Michigan with Rev. Rachel Lewis officiating. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Grace Hospice [ghospice.com] or a contribution in honor of Ruth Harris/Class of 1963 to the Olivet High School Scholarship Fund at the Marshall Community Foundation, 614 Homer Rd., Marshall, MI 49068 (www.marshallcf.org).