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Ruth Abood Obituary

Ruth Otto Abood East Lansing Beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend, Ruth was welcomed into eternal life on December 23 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on July 14, 1969, in Hancock, Michigan. Ruth was a graduate of Cheboygan High School and Michigan State University, with degrees in psychology and nursing. She was active at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish and a master bridge player; she was admired for her courage while enduring three weeks of bombing in Beirut to adopt their son. Ruth is survived by her husband, Dr. Christopher Abood; children Ellen Ruth and John Christopher; parents Dr. Howard and Joan Otto; sister Dorianne (Jeff) Jentzen; brothers Charles (Anita) Otto, John (Nancy) Otto, and Dennis (Diane) Kitchen; numerous nieces and nephews; mother-in-law Maryalice Abood; and preceded in death by her father-in-law, Camille Abood. Visitation: Sunday, December 27 from 6-8 p.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in East Lansing. Funeral Mass: Monday, December 28 at 11 a.m., also at St. Thomas. Donations may be made in memory of Ruth to the Greater Lansing Food Bank. Arrangements by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.

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Published by Lansing State Journal on Dec. 26, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Ruth Abood

Not sure what to say?





Vic Weipert

November 9, 2022

Knowing her daughter was going to die, Ruth´s mom Joan Otto asked her to send her a message in a crossword puzzle which she completed daily in the Lansing State Journal. On 6/21/2010 (almost 6 months later) she got this in a computer generated crossword puzzle with answers of "Ruth", "Babe" (her nickname), and "Otto". Joan knew then that Ruth was okay.

Ellie Nystrom

September 26, 2016

I know it's been 8 years since my mother passed but i just didn't know what to say, but now i think i do, you were an amazing mother who taught me to love everyone and to be there for everyone, i miss you everyday of every second, i can't believe your gone, i love you so much mom, you always have my heart but i know you are close with the necklace around my neck, you are and forever will be my hero

Brandie (Snell) Mulari

January 21, 2010

Dear Howard, Joan, and family, I don't know if you remember me but when i was a child you helped my family to give us the best Christmas ever. I still think of you every year. I am so very sorry for your loss. I remember Ruth. She actually taught me how to solve the rubix cube with my eyes closed. lol I also remember her recording music off of the radio on to a tape and I was absolutely amazed. It was the coolest thing to me. I wish I would have known her as an adult. She was always very kind.

Tracy Hardin

January 5, 2010

Dear Joan and Howard ~
I am so very saddened to have just heard of Ruth's passing. What a heart ache for your whole family, and most especially for Ruth's young children. Such a difficult thing to face and carry on . I do pray for all of you to find peace and comfort with the help of family and friends and the memories that will indeed bring smiles over time, instead of the tears.
We miss you here in Cheboygan and many prayers are being sent to you all. Much love.

Kathie (Nufer) Michaelis

January 3, 2010

Dear Joan and Howard,
Ruth was one of my first and closest childhood friends. Your family was known throughout our community for your generosity, kindness, and charity. These traits were passed on to Ruth and demonstrated in the way she treated those around her. She was typically the center of every social scene, as we were drawn to her fun, spirited personality. I have early memories of wheelchair races at the hospital in Hancock, going out to lunch at Big Boy, playing games of "Clue", swinging in the back yard and writing our names on your bathroom walls. There seemed to always be extra people living in your home, receiving help from the two of you. It felt normal to the rest of us when someone new was there being aided by your family. After you moved to Cheboygan, I was grateful to be able to keep in touch with your family through high school. I haven't seen Ruth since our sophomore year in college, but my early memories of her and of your family are a large and cherished part of my childhood. My heart aches for you and your family. I will continue to remember you in my prayers. God bless you.

Gail O'Leksy-Villarruel

December 30, 2009

Dear Joan, Howard and family,

Ruth's funeral was a moving tribute to Ruth. Your family seemed so strong and supportive of each other. Having 2 daughters myself, my heart breaks for you. You (Joan), Ruth and John were so delightful and enjoyable when you'd bring John to our groups at the MAC and the YMCA. Thanks for letting me get to meet the 3 of you.

Gail

Diana Rotondi-Munaron

December 30, 2009

Dear Joan and Howard, I was thinking back to my first memory of Ruth. It was when she came to Troy at about the age of 6-8 (?). I remember her as beautiful, smart and very sweet. Surrounded by strangers, she was immediately one of the family and scooped up in whatever we were doing. I believe she had those same traits as an adult. Your love is still with her and she is with you. You are in my prayers.
love, Diana

Kathy Willman

December 30, 2009

Dear Joan, Howard and family,

I had many many good times with Ruth growing up and attending Houghton schools. She spent many days at our house and I did the very same at your house. I cherish every moment we had together.
I am so happy I was able to visit her when she lived in the Lainsburg area a few years back.
Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
All my love,
Kathy (Pidgeon) Willman

Shirley Kitzmiller

December 30, 2009

Dear Joan, Howard & Chris & family,
I went to high school with Ruth and remember her as a kind person. I've been thinking about you all and her a lot since I received the news on Christmas Eve of her passing. I know she will be missed dearly by all her friends, but most especilly you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you always. Love, Dave & Shirley Kitzmiller

December 29, 2009

Dear Joan and Howard and all of Ruthie's family,
We were so sad when Chris told us about Ruthie. I remember she was on the Homecoming court just two months after she began attending Cheboygan High. She was so well liked. She has been in our prayers and all of you will continue to be. If there's anything we can do, just ask. God bless you. Love, Barb and Jerry Charboneau Cheboygan

Renee Scheele - Brown

December 28, 2009

Mr. & Mrs. Otto and family,I remember Ruth from high school at Catholic High. What a wonderful person. I was going through high school sports clippings and there she was, just as I remember her. You are all in our hearts and prayers. May God be beside you during this difficult time.

Jodi LePla

December 28, 2009

Dear Ellie and family. I am thinking of you. Ruth loved you so and was such a supporter of your education and future. I feel blessed to have been able to work with your family at Marble and to continue to work with Ellie now. Love, Ms. LePla

Roy Trahan

December 28, 2009

Dear Howard, Joan and family...
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I know the kind of family you are will help you in this time of need. She is with the Lord now and in a better world.
~Roy & Patty Trahan

Janice Townsend-Swiggum

December 28, 2009

Chris & Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in your love for each other and the grace of God! Ruth was a wonderful lady. In the days to come you will contine to be in our prayers.

December 28, 2009

Mrs.Otto,
We are so sorry for your loss. It is so hard to find the right words to say, except we are praying for your family and may you find comfort in her memories.
David and Julie Johnson
Cheboygan, Mi.

December 28, 2009

Dear Chris and family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you in the days ahead. May you find peace and comfort from your memories and from each other.
Barb (Hunter) Legris

Johanna Jehnsen

December 28, 2009

Dr. Abood
My thoughts are with you. I enjoyed working with Ruth here at Sparrow.

Jenifer Syrett

December 28, 2009

I was deeply saddened to hear of Ruth's passing. We went to high school together and she was one of the nicest people I have ever met. She showed so much love and compassion to everyone she knew. Her smile was infectious to all. May you find peace in knowing that she is happy and healthy in heaven watching over all of you. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Mark Farhat

December 28, 2009

The Abood Family,My condolences to the family and friends of Ruth.I am sorry to hear about this.May she rest in peace. Mark Farhat

Peggy Cole

December 28, 2009

Dear Joan & Howard, John, Dorianne, Charlie, Chris, Ellie and John Christopher,
You are all in my thoughts and prayers, as you have been throughout this difficult ordeal. I know Ruthie's with her Lord and no longer feeling any pain - just as I know that time will make the pain easier to bear, but right now I'm certain your loss, sorrow and pain seem almost more than you can handle. You're all so fortunate to have one another to lean on for love and support. I'll forever feel Blessed that I got the chance to re-connect with Ruthie after many years and to be able to meet her children. God Bless and keep you at this most difficult time and all through your lives.

Tina Ray

December 27, 2009

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. Your memories will guide you, and give you peace as you remember the goodness and love Ruth gave to everyone she knew. May you in time feel less pain.

Stefania Alimonos

December 27, 2009

I'm so sorry about Ruth. I'm one of Ellen's friends and I remember Ruth from when I was six years old. My family send love to the entire family.

Stefania

Pam Nickelson

December 27, 2009

I am so sorry to hear of Ruth's passing. I have been praying for a miracle. She was a wonderful mother who always was there for her children. As one of Ellen's teachers, I will never forget her kindness to me.

December 27, 2009

I am so sorry to hear of Ruths' passing. I worked with her on 4S and found her to be a kind and understanding nurse and person. I am sure she will be missed.
Beth Dunlap RN

Matt Juillet

December 27, 2009

To all of Ruth's family,I was saddened to hear about Ruth. Although I never knew Ruth well,I know she brought alot of those who did know her joy.My thoughts are with you.

Mike & Pam Chamberlain

December 27, 2009

Joan, Howard, Charlie and rest of family,

We am sorry to hear about Ruth's passing. We have your whole family in our prayers.

dale junkin

December 27, 2009

my thoughts and prayer to ruthies family she was a good freind to me in high school.

Garry Parrish

December 27, 2009

Dear Chris, Ellie, John, JoJo and Howard-

Please accept our sincere condolences on your tragic loss. Our hearts go out to you and your entire family.

Garry Parrish & Family

Nan Farhat

December 27, 2009

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Chris Charboneau

December 27, 2009

Joan, Howard and all of Ruth's family,
I am so sorry about Ruth's passing. She was a great friend to me in our senior year of high school. In fact I just pulled out my pictures from our senior play that we were in together, "God's Favorite". We had a ball! And she will truly be God's favorite in heaven. Ruth was a beautiful person who was loved by all of us who were lucky enough to know her. I am so sad about this, and will miss her so much. My prayers will always be with all of you.

Chris Charboneau

Nancy Cannon

December 27, 2009

Dear Dr. Abood and family: What a wonderful, loving spirit Ruth had... and that smile! I am so very sorry for your loss.

Nancy Cannon
Adoption Associates

Bradley Huff

December 27, 2009

To Ruth's family,
My deepest condolences to all who loved Ruth. I will always remember Ruth for her humor, wit, and compassion. We shared many a contemplative conversation during our high school years, formative conversations. My heart is heavy.

Jennie Crawford

December 27, 2009

I am so sorry for your loss. I have memories of Ruth from long ago and although I didn't know her as an adult, her smile is something I will always remember. Truly contagious.

Marsha Rappley

December 27, 2009

Dear Chris, my heart goes out to you and your wonderful family. I know that it is Ruth's love for all of you that makes you a family and that this love will never be lost.

Christopher & Martha Kitchen

December 27, 2009

Words cannot express the sadness we feel. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

kim godi

December 27, 2009

Dear Chris, JoJo, Howard, Ellie and Jon Christopher, and Ruthies Siblings,
I am so sorry. Words are never enough at a time like this. Ruth has left this earth a better place and I am sure Heaven is very bright with her presence in it. My love and prayers to all of you. Kim Youngs Godi

Jay Cordes

December 26, 2009

Chris, I am so sorry to hear the news of Ruth's death. I know that the journey through cancer was exceedingly tough on both of you.

I also know that Ruth is in the arms of our loving God. You will be in my prayers Chris. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help.

Jay

Jeff & Nora Green

December 26, 2009

Dear Dr. Abood,

We were so sorry to learn of your loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Charles & Kee Kim

December 26, 2009

Dr. Abood & The Entire Family:

We are deeply saddened and keep you in our prayers and thoughts. May the Loving God provide you with comfort and condolences. We are tied here in Seattle, caring Maggie after her surgeries. We regret not being able to be with you at this time of your deep sorrow. May God keep Ruth in heavenly peace.

Chris Hinshaw

December 26, 2009

Words are hard to come by at a time like this, but please know your family will be in our thoughts and prayers today and for many days to come.

Rosana Olson Hedahl

December 26, 2009

Dear Joan, Howard, Dorianne, John, Charlie, Chris, Ellie and John Christian:

I pray that you will all gain strength from Ruthie's legacy of love and compassion.

Losing your daughter, sister, wife and mother is undoubtedly the greatest trial you will ever go through.

Keep in mind always, the gracious and generous spirit that Ruthie embodied.

Ellie and John Christian, your Mom isn't gone, she's still in your heart where she will remain always. When I look at pictures of you, I see the love of your beautiful mother Ruthie.

Jo Jo and Howard, I don't imagine there is anything more painful than losing a child. There aren't any words that seem adequate or comforting that I can think of.

Dorianne, John and Charlie, I am so very sorry that you lost your little sister so soon.

And Chris, I send my love and prayers to you as you struggle to raise your 2 beautiful children alone.

The Ottos are one of the most compassionate and giving families I've ever known. May your friends and extended family show you the same compassion and love that you've shown to those whom you have reached out to over the course of your entire lives.

And may God Bless you all and hold you all in the Palm of His Hand now and forever.

Chris Hauseman

December 26, 2009

Chris, Our prayers and condolences go out to you and your family.

Aillene Plont

December 26, 2009

Chris, Ellen , John and Family,

My thoughts and prayers are with you all in this difficult time and know that even though she is not with us anymore on this Earth, her spirit, kindness and love will live in us all forever. She was truly a remarkable lady who put so much joy and laughter in our lives. She will be truly missed but never forgotten. May you rest in peace Ruth, until we meet again.

Jamie Kuri

December 26, 2009

May God give you rest during this terrible time. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Ruth was always a ray of sunshine. Winston Churchill said, " We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give." Ruth was always giving of herself. My deepest sympathy.

Mary Tarbox

December 26, 2009

My heartfelt sympathy to Ruth's entire family. I remember Ruth and her friend Kathy Pidgeon skating at the MTU ice arena when they were kids.

May you all find some comfort in your memories.

Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

Alissa Arens

December 26, 2009

Dr. Abood - our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this hard time.

Linda (Schneeberger) Stapleton

December 26, 2009

I hope that the thoughts and prayers of your friends and family bring you some comfort during this difficult time. We are thinking of you.

Vicky Woeste

December 26, 2009

Chris, Ellen, John, Aunt Maryalice, cousins, we prayed so hard but God had other plans. Ruth was a one-of-a-kind dynamo, a blessed spirit whose presence in our lives, however fleeting, will last forever. We miss you and grieve with you. Much, much love, Vicky, Keith, Helen, Margaret, Joseph, and Phillip Woeste

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