Madonna Ruhlig

Madonna Helen Ruhlig, age 89, died Friday, April 5, 2013 at Chelsea Retirement Community. She was born June 4, 1923 in Monroe, Michigan, the daughter of Paul A. and Minnie C. (Muehleisen) Guhl. Madonna was employed at Monroe State Savings Bank from 1940 to 1948. She was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church of Chelsea, where she was a past Sunday School Teacher and Junior Bible Class Leader. Madonna was a member of the Lutheran Women's Missionary League since 1952 and served as Michigan President, Treasurer, and Parliamentarian. She served on several Boards and Committees of the Synodical and Michigan District Lutheran Church. Madonna was a member of the Board of Regents of Concordia College, Ann Arbor, from 1982 to 1991, and served as Vice-President and President of the Board. She was the recipient of the Christus Primus Award from Concordia College (now Concordia University) in 1975. She had previously been active in Farm Bureau Women, Washtenaw Women's Extension, and the Republican County Committee. She was a member of the Dexter Antiquarians. Madonna enjoyed genealogy and was the family historian. On April 17, 1948, she married Albert F. Ruhlig at Trinity Lutheran Church in Monroe, Michigan, and he survives. Other survivors include three sons, Mark (Marcia)Ruhlig of Sharpsville, IN, John Ruhlig of Chelsea, and David (Lori) Ruhlig of Dexter; eight grandchildren, David (Kristen), Clare, Aaron,, Betsy, Brian, and Scott Ruhlig, Roman (Mila) Kisz and Kasie (Ryan) Cousino; two great-grandchildren, Hunter Ruhlig and Avery Cousino; a sister, Marian (Harold) McConnell of Monroe; many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 16, 11:00 am at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Chelsea, with Rev. Dale Grimm officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove East Cemetery, Chelsea. The family will receive friends at Cole Funeral Chapel Sunday 12:30-6pm and at the church Tuesday 10-11am. Memorial contributions may be made to Lutheran Women's Missionary League or Our Savior Lutheran Church.