Ruth Louise Aldridge

Ruth Louise Aldridge passed away on October 1, 2025, in her hometown of Niles, Michigan, where she was born on December 17, 1950. She was a beloved daughter to her late parents, Harold Sebasty and Virginia McCormick, and walked through life with the love and support of her siblings Dolly Schmaltz, Marie Beehler, Tom Sebasty, and was preceded in death by her brothers, Bob and Lester Sebasty, and husband, Larry Aldridge.
Ruth's journey through life was one marked by devotion, not only to her family but also to her community. She was the centerpiece of the 4 Flags Beauty Salon, which she owned and operated for twenty-eight years, part of a stellar four-decade career as a hairdresser. At the salon, she didn't just create beauty; she fostered relationships that would stand the test of time. Ruth's clients weren't just customers; they were friends, extensions of her large, loving family. Her laughter and stories filled the salon, creating an environment where people came for style and stayed for the warmth of her company.
As a proud graduate of Buchanan High School's class of 1968, Ruth carried the spirit of her school years throughout her life. She cheered loudly from the sidelines at her nieces' and nephews' various ball games and school events, a testament to her involvement and support that never wavered.
Ruth's passion for life extended to all creatures, great and small. She found solace tending to the Koi in her ponds and caring for the numerous pets she adored throughout her life. Her gardens were a living testament to her nurturing spirit, a source of beauty and tranquility that mirrored her own inner peace.
Traveling brought Ruth great joy, an adventurer at heart; she explored with wide-eyed wonder places like Niagara Falls, Canyon de Chelly, and the mysterious depths of The Underground City in San Francisco. Yet, no matter where her journeys took her, Ruth's heart remained anchored in Niles, within the walls of the Niles Church of Christ, where she replenished her faith and found solace in fellowship.
Above all, Ruth cherished the moments spent glamorizing for a special occasion, cupping a strong brew of coffee, and adorning herself with meticulously done makeup, nails, and hair. These simple pleasures underscored the elegance and grace with which she carried herself.
No services will be held at this time.
Ruth's siblings, former husband, Steve Burge, along with her vast family of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, will forever remember her as the passionate protector, the adviser, the confidant, and the heartbeat of a family blessed by her unwavering presence. Ruth Louise Aldridge's legacy is etched in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to have known her, a legacy of radiating joy, unfaltering love, and steadfast devotion. Her spirit continues to echo through the lives she touched, an indelible mark of a life beautifully lived.