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Ruth Ganakas Obituary
East Lansing
Ruth Rose Ganakas went home to the Lord Thursday, December 18, 2014 surrounded by her loving family. She was
Born June 21, 1926 in Mt. Morris, New York to Charles and Rose D'Imperio. She married her childhood sweetheart, Gus, in 1947 and moved to East Lansing where they raised six children. Her commitment to her husband, family, faith and community gave her great pride and joy.
Ruth was a founding member of St. Thomas Aquinas Church; She served as President of the Altar Society, St. Veronica Guild, and started the Pre-School program at STA. She also volunteered at St Thomas Aquinas School and Sparrow Hospital.
After raising her children, Ruth returned to work at East Lansing High School and retired as a payroll clerk for Synder Phillips Hall at Michigan State University.
She is survived by her loving, devoted husband of 67 years, who she adored unconditionally, and her children - Gail, Gary, Greg, Anne, Amy, Marcy, and granddaughters, Erin, Jennifer Rose, and Katie Rose-who will miss her daily guidance as well as her sister-in-law and many nieces and nephews.
She was a loyal MSU fan and particularly enjoyed the Spartan family trips to football bowl games and basketball NCAA championship tournament games
The Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 955 Alton Road, East Lansing, MI. Interment will be in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Lansing. The family will receive friends Monday at the church from 2-5:00 p.m. and 6-8:00 p.m. with the Rosary being prayed at 7:30 p.m.
Special thanks for the gentle care of Jen Alverson, Sparrow Hospice Nurse, who provided Gus and family the expertise and knowledge of dying with dignity.
Donations can be made in remembrance of Ruth Ganakas to: St. Thomas Aquinas School, 915 Alton Road, East Lansing, MI 48823; Saint Vincent DePaul-St. Thomas Aquinas, 955 Alton Road, East Lansing, MI 48823; and Sparrow Hospice Services c/o Sparrow Foundation, PO Box 30480, Lansing, MI 48909-9986.
On-line condolences and memories may be made at www.greastlansing.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ruth Ganakas
Joan Gochberg
January 6, 2015
Don and I are sorry to have missed the funeral, but our thoughts and prayers are with all the Ganakas family. Amy, you and our beloved Amy were such good childhood friends. The two of you had many laughs and fun together. Your wonderful mother was a delight. May her memory be a blessing to all of you.
Bob Peterson
January 4, 2015
Dear Gus, Gary, Greg, Gail, Bitz, Amy and Marcy. Kandi and I were so sorry to hear of Ruth's passing, she was one of my "favoritist woman" and indeed, a second mother to me. My sister, Mary, just forwarded the obituary to me, so sorry to be late but just wanted you to know my feelings and I don't have your home address. Her photo is beautiful and just as I want to remember her....with a smile that warmed your heart. God's Blessings on you all. Love from "Big Pete" and Kandi
Barb Kolp
January 1, 2015
My deepest sympathy to your family. Ruth was a very special lady, thank you for sharing her with us. She so positively touched the lives of so many. She will always hold a very special place in my heart, I will treasure my memories of my time with Ruth at work and the friendship we shared.
Dawn Sneckenberg
December 30, 2014
Our deepest sympathy from Len and Lee Byers and family. What a woman. We will never forget her kindness to Snow and Jack and our entire family over the years.
Karen McPhilamy
December 28, 2014
Dear Ganakas Family,
I was so very sorry to hear of Ruth's death. She was such a loving beautiful person. She always had only kind words of encouragement for our STA fourth graders. I can still hear her wonderful laughter! Heaven is certainly much richer with her there. May God's peace be with your family.
Karen McPhilamy
Victor Rosendale
December 26, 2014
Mr. Ganakas and family I was sorry to hear of Mrs. Ganakas passing. I still think of the times we visited your house when we were at Snow and Jack's.Your mom was always very nice to us. I was just recently wondering how everyone was doing and unfortunately learned of this news. Please accept my deepest sympathy and I hope all of you can find some joy in remembering the long great life she lead and the great number of people she touched in a poitive way.
Marlianne Midyette (Mauch)
December 26, 2014
I did not know Ruth, but she raised some mighty find children...Gus was my teacher at ELHS & got me to LOVE MATH !! I worked at Crystal Mt. as a Ski Patroler...and saw one daughter often...God bless you all as you gather w/ wonderful memories !! Marlianne Mauch Warmbold Midyette (now at Kerr Lake in North Carolina
Karen Sherck Brody
December 25, 2014
To Coach and Greg, and the rest of the family: We were so saddened to hear this news! We pray for all of you and thank your family for sharing her with all of us!
P.K. Van Voorhees
December 25, 2014
Dear Ganakas Family - So sorry to hear about your mother - I just found out today of all things through a Facebook post (we don't get the paper anymore!) and I was so incredibly sad for all of you. She was one of the most positive people I have ever met, and she left a lasting mark on everyone with her empathy, good nature and humor. A humor that is reflected in all of you - such a witty family and so fun to be with all of you! A lovely, gracious and funny lady who will be missed greatly by everyone! Know she will be with you always, just a thought away, and waiting in heaven to see you again. My mother is out of town until tomorrow but I will let her know - Love always, P.K. Van Voorhees and Family
laurie mcmahon
December 24, 2014
Dear Gary and family,
What a great dame your mother was. You, and our greater Lansing community are better for her having been with us. May your sorrow be gentled with sweet memories of Ruth Rose.
Sincere condolences, Laurie (Pfeifer) McMahon - ELHS class of 1969
Cathy Tucker
December 23, 2014
I worked with Ruth for some years at ELHS and enjoyed her smiling face and great support to we teachers there. I also had the pleasure of teaching some of her children and grandchildren. She was a delightful person, and I know you will take comfort in all of the great memories you each have of her! My prayers to you...
Cathy Tucker East Lansing
December 23, 2014
I am greatly saddened by the loss of your most precious loved one. Embrace each other and hold fast to your loving memories that will live in your hearts and thoughts forever.
May God bless you all.
Sandra Farrell
deanna trakas
December 23, 2014
A wonderful,spirited and poised lady -- May her memory be eternal.
Liesa Rocco
December 23, 2014
Dear Ganakas Family - Mrs. Ganakas was such a treasure... loved by all who knew her. She was one of the kindest and sweetest women we've ever known. Please know that we share in your sorrow and extend our heartfelt condolences to your wonderful family. Love, Liesa, Eliese and Lauren
Randy & Jeanine Bishop
December 23, 2014
Coach Gus and family, Very sorry to hear of your loss. Sounds like she was a real treasure and will now be celebrating with the Lord. God bless you all.
lynn Childress
December 23, 2014
Our deepest sympathy, sorry for your loss, you will be in our prayers.
Lynn Childress and family
December 23, 2014
Gus: So sorry to hear of Ruth's death. What a joy it was seeing her in the halls of Berkey when we both worked there with her wonderful smile and laughter each day. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very sad time. What a loss for our Spartan family. Take care, my friend. Jackie Sage
December 23, 2014
Gail, I'm so sorry to read of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Kristen Skivington
Jan Gibson Drago
December 22, 2014
Gus and family,
I'm so sorry to learn of your loss. I always enjoyed seeing her during my high school years but specially at every 1958 class reunion. Of course I'll never forget the night we won the 1958 State basketball. Cherish the many fond memories and they will comfort you. Janet Gibson Drago
Bill Eckstrom
December 22, 2014
Gus, sorry to hear of Ruth's death. Jewel and I always enjoyed visiting with her when "Pete's Gang" got together. You will be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
December 22, 2014
Gus, So sorry to hear of your loss
Prayers for you and your family.
God bless you Gus.
Jim Schlatter
December 22, 2014
dEAR GUS AND FAMILY, WE ARE SO SORRY TO LEARN OF RUTH'S PASSING
SHE WAS WONDERFUL LADY AND A FRIEND TO OUR SON SCOTT WHEN HE WAS A MANAGER IN THE 1990'S
WE WILL MISS SEEING HER AT THE GAMES. GOD BLESS YOU
BOB AND VAL BERNECKER
Timothy Prichard
December 22, 2014
Thoughts and prayers out to Gary and the Ganakas family. Ruth was one of my mom's first and dearest friends when we moved to East Lansing many years ago. The St. Thomas days were good ones. God bless her.
Patrick Wilson
December 22, 2014
The Wilson Family send our condolences; thoughts and prayers to you, Gus and to your family.
Vernon & Dorphine Payne
December 22, 2014
Not many could touch you the way that Ruth did...always kind, always caring, always loving...
December 22, 2014
I enjoyed meeting Ruth when she came with you, Gus, to our ELHS Class of 1961's 50th Reunion. She obviously was a very accomplished lady and will be missed by many. My thoughts are with you and all your family. Madeline Trimby
Maryjo Cook
December 22, 2014
My deepest condolences to you, Greg and your entire family. My your memories help sustain you. God Bless.
Jerry and Paula Metts
December 21, 2014
What an honor to have known such a lovely lady. We'll miss you Tootsie.
Keith Stephens
December 21, 2014
My thoughts and Prayer are with you all during this difficult time. May the peace of God be with you Gus and all of the family.
Gerry geistler
December 21, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with the Ganakas family . Ruth was a fun and vibrant lady.
Gary & June Sullenger
December 21, 2014
Gail: We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with and your family.
Patty Ahlstrom
December 21, 2014
So very sorry for your loss, Gail. Prayers to you and your family
Jane Ryan
December 21, 2014
On behalf of the ELHS Class of 1958 I would like express our sympathy for your loss, Gus and Family. Many of us knew her personally as babysitters, neighbors and the wife of our awesome basketball coach. She was, indeed, a lovely woman. Please accept our condolences and know that we are with you in spirit.
Jane McCann Ryan for the Class of 1958
Penny Bashore
December 21, 2014
Ann; So very sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Pete & Sandi Stableford
December 21, 2014
Gail, sending our deepest sympathy to you and your family in this time of loss.
December 21, 2014
Gail, Gary, and family, I am so sorry for your loss. She was a lovely woman! You are all in my prayers.
Lois Ullrich
Mt. Clemens, MI
Dave Barber
December 21, 2014
To Dr. Gail and family:
My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Godspeed to your mothers soul.
Lucy (Spaniolo) McCauslin
December 21, 2014
Anne and family, my deepest condolences. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kathleen Farrell
December 21, 2014
Our deepest condolences to the Ganakas family and friends of Ruth. We love you all very much and are praying you find some comfort at this very sad time. What a beautiful person Ruth was; she was so dearly loved and cherished. You are all in our hearts and prayers.
Jim, Kathleen and Sean Farrell
Kim (Gladstone) Shapiro
December 21, 2014
Anne and family, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. Your mom will be missed by many.
Ferman Badgley
December 21, 2014
My sincere condolences to the Ganakas family. She was a wonderful lady and I know she will be serving God in some manner right now. I'll always remember the wonderful smile she always had whenever we met. I will miss her.
December 21, 2014
On behalf of the family of Bob Watts, I want to send our thoughts and prayers to your family. Our parents shared a lasting friendship and mutual respect. Sharon Watts King
Jerry & Pam Clark
December 21, 2014
Dearest Gus, Gary, Greg, Gail, Bitz, Amy & Marcy, Know the two who are welcoming her to heaven first, Janet & Chet, I am sure had their hands out! Loved her & still remember our last get together with she & Janet sharing & laughing.. You all have our love & sympathy. Jerry & Pam
Patsy Craig
December 20, 2014
Gail, we are so sorry to hear of the loss of your Mother. She was so blessed to have such a large family around her, giving her love and support. We send prayers to you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Vernon&Patsy Craig
Davison, MI
Erin Ganakas
December 20, 2014
Thanks for lighting up my life. I promise to pass it on. Love you more
Joe Dionise Family
December 20, 2014
To the Ganakas family, Our condolences to your family during this difficult time. Heaven just acquired a new Angel. God Bless
Carmen (Cordes) and Tom Gray
December 20, 2014
Our prayers are with all of you! What a wonderful woman, full of love and joy for all those around her. She will be deeply missed.
Mary Anne and Bob Gale
December 20, 2014
Our prayers are with you Gus and the family. We loved Ruth and she was always like a mother to Bob. We will be thinking about you and love you very much.
JON EYER
December 20, 2014
Greg and family,
My heart goes out to you at the lose of your beloved. "weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning" Psalm 30:5.
May you remember her smile,laugh and wisdom.
For this will remain in your hearts forever.
JON EYER
(Baby JOHN from LCC "WEST SIDE STORY")
Sabrina Keeley
December 20, 2014
Very sorry for your loss, but know that heaven has gained another angel who will be watching over you and always in your hearts.
You are in my prayers.
Fr. Joe Weber
December 20, 2014
Coach, Gary, et al, my sincere sympathy, thoughts, and prayers!
December 20, 2014
My Prayers are with you, Gus and family. Thank you for coming to my Mother's Visitation....Mark and I were honored. Rosemary Grua
Kathy Henneghan MacLachlan
December 19, 2014
Love and prayers to all of you. I'll say to you what Ruth once told me: "You loved deeply, and you were deeply loved." Seems she was always there doing what needed to be done and showing support and love at the toughest of times! She meant so much to so many and will be deeply missed. Kathy (Henneghan) MacLachlan
Mary Grenawitzke
December 19, 2014
Our prayers are with all of you. We were all such a great family growing up together. Another mom will be greatly missed.
Love to all of you, Mary and Harry (Gallagher) Grenawitzke
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