Ruth A. Mudge

Ruth Adele Mudge, age 97, of Battle Creek, formerly of Lacey, died Tuesday evening, February 4, 2020 after a short battle with cancer.

Ruth was born in 1922 in Baltimore, Barry County and was the daughter of Otis A. and Bertha O. (Seeley) Ketcham. She grew up in a country grocery store and attended Stevens School. Ruth was a 1940 graduate of Hastings High School and a 1942 graduate of Argubright Business College. Ruth was a secretary for Clark Equipment company during WWII.

Ruth married Leon E. Mudge on July 23, 1946 in Battle Creek. While raising her family near Lacey, she was a room mother at Pleasantview Elementary School and was a 4-H leader teaching many of the local girls how to knit. After her children were grown, Ruth worked as a part-time secretary for her husband at the electrical union business office.

Ruth enjoyed genealogy, reading, traveling, ballroom dancing and spending time at the family cottage on Cedar Creek.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Leon and by her sister, Betty M. Ketcham.

Ruth is survived by their two daughters, Janet M. Mudge of Holt and Judy A. Mudge of Battle Creek; their son, Tom E. Mudge of Florida; five grandchildren: Sean Lewis, Sarah Mudge, Lindsay (Juan) Martinez, Tom Mudge and Ryan (Kiera) Mudge; and two great grandchildren: Jack Mudge-Gamez and Giana Martinez.

Friends will be received from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday, February 10, 2020 at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, where a memorial service to celebrate Ruth's life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 11.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Ruth's honor may be made to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan, Country Chapel United Methodist Church Food Pantry, or a charity of one's choice. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.