Ruth Hettig

Ruth Hettig, 91, of Benton Harbor passed away on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at her home. A time of social gathering will be from 11 a.m.-noon on Wednesday, June 4, with a luncheon to follow, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph. Memorial contributions may be made to Animal Lovers Inc., PO Box 223, Three Oaks, MI 49128 or Frieds Cat Shelter, 509 S. Indiana Hwy 212, Michigan City, IN 46360. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.

Ruth was born on April 22, 1934, in Benton Harbor to Sam and Zita (Schwengler) Abel. In 1952, Ruth graduated from Benton Harbor High School. Professionally, Ruth was employed as a bus driver for Eau Claire Public Schools for 12 years and drove for sporting events for the school before she changed career paths and began working for herself in her paint shop and finishing wood products.

She loved gardening, crocheting, jigsaw puzzles and painting pictures. Ruth and her daughters always tried to set aside an afternoon every couple of weeks for a "craft day" where they would always come up with new creative ideas.

On Nov. 21, 1980, Ruth married Donald Hettig, at Trinity Lutheran in St. Joseph. Following his retirement in 1995, the two traveled the country in their motorhome. They would eventually settle down in Lakeland, Fla., during the winter months, while maintaining their home in Michigan during the summer. This pattern would continue for the next 25 years.

Ruth is survived by her husband, Donald, of Benton Harbor; four daughters: Zita (Doug Kopp) Abel, Valarie Sims, Cynthia (Jim) Polega and Melissa Stolfo; stepchildren: Kevin (Susan) Hettig and Nancy Hettig; many nieces and nephews and dear friends: Alice Sprunk, Tom and Gretchen Lenz and Sandy Brooker.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Sam and Zita, and eight siblings.