Ruth Ann MacAlpine

Ruth Ann MacAlpine
Ruth Ann MacAlpine, age 73, of Essexville, formerly of Bad Axe, Michigan, passed away peacefully on the morning of July 21, 2025, at 8:10 a.m., following a years-long battle with a recurrence of cancer. Born on October 16, 1951, in Bad Axe, Ruth remained deeply rooted in her Huron County community throughout her life, dedicated to service, family, and the care of others.
Ruth built a remarkable career in public healthcare, serving as administrator of several county medical care facilities across Huron, Schoolcraft, and Bay counties. Her dedication to elder care and public service earned her recognition throughout the state. She was an active and respected leader within the Michigan County Medical Care Facilities Council, serving as president and on numerous committees, where she tirelessly advocated for the well-being of residents and staff alike. In honor of her lifelong commitment to improving public healthcare, she was awarded Lifetime Membership in the Council upon her retirement in 2019.
Ruth's compassion extended far beyond her professional life. In 2005, after her initial cancer diagnosis, she returned home to Bad Axe to support her sister Joyce during her own battle with the disease. Her strength, selflessness, and quiet determination touched everyone who knew her.
Ruth is survived by her loving daughters, René Weathers (husband Rodney) and Erin MacAlpine-Baum (husband Shane), who were the pride of her life. She is also survived by her significant other, Ron Davis; her sister Vicki Yaroch (husband Pat); nieces Megan McCarney (husband Benjamin), Lindsay Rader (husband Tim), Jennifer Armstrong (husband Josh); nephew Jason Susalla; great-nieces Lucy and Shelby; and great-nephews Owen, Branden, Daniel, and Keagan.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Victor and Lucy Talaski, and her beloved sister, Joyce Deering.
Ruth's life was one of quiet strength, unwavering care, and deep commitment-to her family, her patients, and her community. She will be profoundly missed and lovingly remembered.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, July 24, 2025 at 11 a.m. at St. Hubert Parish – Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bad Axe, Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Kaufman Funeral Home in Bad Axe or Thursday at the church from 10 a.m. until the service time at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ruth's honor to St. Hubert's Food Pantry, Huron County Safe Place, or Compassus Hospice of Cass City, each of which reflects the compassion and service that defined her life.
Condolences may be shared at www.kaufmanfuneralhome.com