Mabel Fultz

1929 - 2025

Mabel "Ruth" Fultz, beloved sister, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully on January 5, at the age of 95 years.

She was born on September 20, 1929, in East Concord, to Frank and Exie (Hittson) Morris. Ruth lived a full and rich life and was a cherished presence in the lives of her family and friends.

Ruth was a direct descendant of two remarkable figures in American history including Robert Morris, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and key financier of the Revolutionary War. She was also a descendant of Nancy (Moytoy/Fivekiller) Ward, a prominent Cherokee woman who played an integral role in aiding white settlers in the early years of the United States. Ruth witnessed countless events in the changing tides of history, including the Great Depression and World War II as well as vast changes in technology from the Model A Ford and silent films to today's global internet.

Ruth's early years were shaped by a love of adventure and hard work. She enjoyed riding horses, often riding six miles to Alpena to attend school. In time, she began driving the "first Alpena school bus"; a truck with a tarp which she used to pick up many local children and ensure their transportation to and from school. Ruth attended Alpena High School through the 11th grade when she met her future husband, Clifford Fultz, at a Red Cross benefit pie supper. Clifford purchased her mother's pie, but Ruth switched it with her own to ensure they met, a decision that would forever change the course of her life. They were married on the day following her 17th birthday in 1946 and were blessed with a happy marriage of 72 years.

Ruth spent much of her adult life working alongside Clifford on their farm in the community of Rule where they milked cows, cared for sheep and beef cattle, and raised five children. She was skilled and hardworking, however, her talents extended far beyond the fields. Ruth was an accomplished musician, able to play the piano, guitar, and banjo. Bluegrass and southern gospel music brought her joy, and she eventually used her musical gifts to inspire her daughters, guiding them into their own musical endeavors as the Fultz Sisters. She instilled in her children the importance of hard work, community, and faith, ensuring they were active in 4H and church activities.

She was also known for her culinary expertise, feeding her family and community with love and devotion. Ruth's kitchen was a place of warmth and comfort, where she prepared three meals a day and became famous for her fudge, cobblers, and much adored custard pie. As a short-order cook to her grandkids, she never turned down a request, always ready to whip up whatever they desired. Ruth's Blue Heeler, Garth, was another important companion, and she also enjoyed spoiling him with his favorite treat-French fries.

Also a lover of crafts, she continued to keep her hands busy as an active member of a local quilting circle for many years. She created beautiful quilts, dolls, and stuffed animals that will be cherished for generations. Her continued love for entertainment was evident in her collection of VHS tapes, as she proudly owned the complete sets of I Love Lucy and The Beverly Hillbillies and enjoyed sharing the episodes with her grandchildren.

Above all, Ruth was a devoted mother and grandmother, deeply committed to her family. She leaves behind a strong legacy of love, tenacity, and kindness which was all grounded in her strong faith in Jesus Christ. Her influence will continue to provide direction for her loved ones for years to come.

Ruth is survived by four daughters and sons-in-law: Joyce and Gene Fultz, Connie and Tim Kleffman, Marilyn and Kenny Bonham, and Barbara and Rick Carter; nine grandchildren: Lindsay Turner and husband Kevin, Chris Fultz and Sandy Bounkhong, Tabetha Cyr, Caroline Russell and husband Joe, Tonya Paluh and husband Ian, Jennifer Fultz, Trista Raines and husband Chris, Troy Carter and wife Hope, and Kyle Kleffman and wife Janessa; brothers Lewis Morris and Billy Morris; sister Shirley Massengale; brother-in-law Zane Wall; sister-in-law Bonnie Fultz; thirteen great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom were blessed to have had her as a guiding force in their lives.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Exie (Hittson) Morris, husband Troy Clifford Fultz, son Brian Scott Fultz, sister Deborah Wall, and grandson Jeremy Bonham, whom she has been reunited with in Heaven alongside her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She will be deeply missed by her family and all who knew her.

A visitation will be held at 10a.m. followed by a service in her honor at 11 a.m. on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at the Nelson's Chapel in Green Forest, and internment following at Rule Cemetery with Jim Goins officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Nelson Funeral Service. Online condolences may be sent to nelsonfuneral.com.