Ruth Gillespie

Ruth (Lentz) Gillespie, Age 98 of Ludington died Monday, October 6, 2014 at the home of her daughter in Pinckney. She was born on February 2, 1916 in Benzie County’s Blaine Township, the daughter of the late James William and Martha Sarah (Smeltzer) Lentz. Ruth attended McKinstry School, Frankfort High School, and Ferris Institute. On September 11, 1948 she married Harley William Gillespie at the Blaine Christian Church. He preceded her in death in October of l996. Ruth attended the Ludington United Methodist Church where she was active with the church women and the XYZ Club. She enjoyed hiking in the Ludington State Park and our nations National Parks. She also enjoyed flowers, gardening, and spending time with family. Survivors include two daughters; Deborah (Mark) Tennant of Pinckney and Julia (David) Mayo of Hawaii, four grandchildren; Nathan (Cheryl) Tennant, Carrie (David) Shumaker, Benjamin (Simone) Tennant, and Emily (Jake) Lynema, and eleven great grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by one sister; Marguerite Olsen and two brothers; Ward and Lloyd Lentz. Funeral Services for Ruth (Lentz) Gillespie will be held Saturday, October 11, 2014 at 10:00 AM at the Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Ludington with her grandson Benjamin Tennant officiating. Graveside services will follow at 12:30 PM at the Pleasanton Township Cemetery in Manistee County. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Saturday morning from 9:30 AM until time of service. Memorials in Ruth’s name may be directed to the Ludington United Methodist Church or Hospice of Michigan. Please visit her personal page of memories at www.oakgrovefh.com to share a photo or story. The family has entrusted the Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Center with funeral arrangements.