Ruth Ann Bundy

Ruth Bundy, 96, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Oaks in Battle Creek, Michigan. She was born May 15, 1927, in Albion, Michigan, to Egnati and Mary (Sloveski) Podayko, the youngest of four children. Ruth was the daughter of parents who emigrated from Czechoslovakia and Ukraine. She was raised in the Holy Ascension Orthodox Church in Albion and shared many fond memories.

Ruth graduated from Albion High School in 1945 and met Duane Bundy after his return from his naval deployment in the South Pacific from 1942-1946. They married in 1947 and lived in Battle Creek. Duane died in 1987. Ruth is survived by her four children, Craig (Sharon), Gary (Janett), Gayle Wickens and Steve (Natalie); grandchildren, Troy (Gina), Jane, Lauren and Carly; great grandchildren, Logan, Cole, Elahna, AJ and Ben. Ruth’s pride was in her kids and grandkids. She never boasted about herself, but she raved on about her family, always with a smile.  Ruth was always a kind and helpful neighbor, who loved animals, plants and flowers beyond measure. Ruth and Duane were loyal U of M football fans, loved golf and travel.

Ruth also had many skills, hobbies and pleasures. She always downplayed her creative skills and artistic flair. Her aesthetic ability was from her heart, cultivated from a life where beauty and hard work collided. She made art out of rags, forgotten wallpaper and jars of baubles, beads and buttons. Her hand-made cards, all different, occupied her days in her later years until her sight failed. Her weekly letters over the years revealed the day’s weather systems, hometown news, and quirky stories about her dad’s Russian heritage. She thought her singing on the way to school was a wonderful thing. She told all of us, We have jobs to do. There are no words to express how much she will be missed.   Thanks Mom, Grandma, and friend for the memories!   Slyubovyu  (Russian for “with love”).

In honoring Ruth’s wishes, cremation has taken place. She will be joining Duane at Fort Custer National Cemetery. A private service will be held later. Personal messages and memories may be shared at www.Farleyestesdowdle.com.  Memorial donations in Ruth’s memory can be sent to Holy Ascension Orthodox Church, 810 Austin Ave, Albion, MI 49224, or Battle Creek VA Medical Center, c/o Patient Canteen Books, 5500 Armstrong Rd., Battle Creek, MI 49037.