Ruth Ann Mogelnicki

Ruth Ann (Kvapil) Mogelnicki, 86, passed peacefully at home in Canton on August 10th, surrounded by Stanley, the love of her life for 62 years, and her children.
Born on July 2, 1939 to Anton James Kvapil and Lavonna Grace, Ruth Ann grew up in Three Oaks, Michigan with her sisters, Barbara and Nancy, in a home built by their father. Her passion to farm this new property with her father led to her love of fresh sweet corn, beets and tomatoes.
Ruth Ann faithfully attended the Three Oaks Church of Christ where she earned a perfect attendance pin. She loved listening to her father play church music on his accordion and eventually found the same joy and inspiration in the music and sermons at Mt. Paran Church. She took the Christian creed to heart, as seen in her compassion, kindness, and desire to help the less fortunate.
A gifted student, Ruth Ann excelled at Three Oaks High School where she was a cheerleader, debater, student government leader, and valedictorian of her class. During her senior year in high school, Ruth Ann was crowned Miss Three Oaks before earning the regional title of Miss Blossom Time Queen.
She went on to attend Western Michigan University, where she earned her BA in Speech and English. She graced the cover of WMU magazine and was dubbed "Beauty and Brains" after winning several national awards on the WMU debate team. She loved her work as a resident advisor in the dorms and was a proud sister of Alpha Chi Omega.
Following her graduation in 1961, Ruth Ann (known as Randy) pursued her MA in Speech at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. On campus, she caught the eye of Stanley Mogelnicki-the "music man" who knew he wanted to marry her almost immediately upon meeting her. Ruth Ann was dedicated to her studies and pursuing a career but agreed to a few dates because he was "the smartest man" she had ever met.
They married in 1963, and in 1964 welcomed the first of their six children they would have over the next nine years. Ruth Ann made the extraordinary decision to set aside her pursuit of a PhD in Speech and Debate from Northwestern University to fully devote herself to motherhood, pouring her heart and energy into rearing her children. In addition, Ruth Ann managed 50 apartments while encouraging and supporting Stanley to earn a PhD in pharmacology followed by an MD degree.
In 1975, when the family moved to Atlanta, Randy, at 40 years old, blossomed from a beginner C level tennis player to the top AA division of Atlanta's ALTA league. She played successfully against younger players with her strategic angles and lob game - becoming known as the clever, competitive "old lady" who never missed a shot.
As a passionate and dedicated community volunteer, Randy joined the St Joseph's Hospital WINGS group. She served as co-chair for the hospital ball, helped on the annual golf tournament, and brought joy to hospital staff by spearheading "Appreciation Day," where hundreds of baskets filled with homemade goodies were delivered across various departments of the hospital. She was affectionately known as "the grape lady" for her purple balloon costume she wore during the hospital's annual Wine Festival fundraiser event. Her ideas were a reflection of her creative spirit and sense of humor. She was honored to receive the WINGS Award for her commitment and dedication to Workers Involved in New Growth for St. Joseph's Hospital.
Randy had a remarkable talent for transforming the ordinary into something beautiful. She developed a deep passion for gardening and created a spectacular backyard paradise. Over the years, Randy and Stanley poured countless hours of love into their property planting many varieties of hydrangeas which earned them an invitation to be on the American Hydrangea Society tour of gardens. In addition, Randy's garden and home were furnished with unique treasures found throughout years of antique hunting and going to estate sales. She found a way to use her finds to make her garden and house a reflection of her spirit: vibrant, warm, and welcoming.
Christmas was her favorite time of year, and together, Randy and Stanley opened their home to friends, family, and neighbors to share the love and magic of the holiday season. Randy greeted guests while Stanley entertained at the piano. Many talked for days about the legendary dessert table, the holiday decorations displayed in each room of their home, and the sounds and spirit of the season that filled the home and warmed hearts.
Later in life, Randy loved nothing more than watching and listening to Stanley play the piano from memory. Her face would light up as he sang and performed for her. She enjoyed summer trips to Michigan, where extended families gathered for laughter, stories, games, hot air balloon chases, fireworks, Drier's bologna, and fresh Michigan corn, cherries and blueberries. Randy loved reconnecting with the place and people who shaped her. She also enjoyed vacations with their children and grandchildren to Hilton Head, Colorado, and Naples, Florida. Randy's energy was infectious; she boogie-boarded with her grandkids, biked the beach paths, and led marathon card games.
Ruth Ann lived a life filled with purpose, beauty and grace. She was a giver of time, talent, ideas, and financial support. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend. Her husband, children and grandchildren were the true loves of her life, and Ruth Ann poured every ounce of her love teaching them to be compassionate, well-rounded, and principled. She encouraged music lessons, athletics, volunteerism, foreign language, and church attendance. Every person she touched was made better by knowing her. Ruth Ann's special spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. "Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her." – Proverbs 31:28.
Ruth Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Anton and Lavonna Kvapil, her in-laws Stanley and Margaret Mogelnicki, her nephew Michael Schwark and most recently her sister Nancy who passed away on August 13, 2025. She is survived by her husband Dr. Stanley Mogelnicki Sr.,and her six children: Melissa Bowerman, Mishana, Mitrina, Stanley Jr., MD (Dena), Meisha (John) Carey, and Mecolle. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Dr. Brielle (JB) Bowerman Gough, Brenden Bowerman, Griffin Moon, Grant and Gracelyn Mogelnicki, Alexandra, Andrew, Anderson, and Adler Carey. She is also survived by her sister Barbara (John) Schwark of Battle Creek, Michigan, brother-in-law David Perkins, Sr of Grand Rapids, Michigan and and brother-in-law John (Marge) Mogelnicki of Brighton, Michigan and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Celebration of Life service will be held @2pm on Saturday, November 1 in the Chapel of Mt Paran Church of God, 2055 Mt Paran Rd, Atlanta, Ga 30327.
Her final resting place will be at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Three Oaks, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her name to :
Three Oaks Church of Christ 305 North Elm St Three Oaks Mi. 49128 Attn. Willette Fleischman, Treasurer In memo write memorial contribution for Ruth Ann Kvapil Mogelnicki
Atlanta Botanical Gardens 1345 Piedmont Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30309 Attn Development Department https://atlantabg.org/donate/tribute-and-memorial-gifts/ Please note memorial gift for Ruth Ann Mogelnicki
Mount Paran Church app.easytithe.com Select Give Now, then One time gift, below one time gift select church ministries, below that in note enter Music Ministry in memory of Randy Mogelnicki
Celebration of Life will be announced soon. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ruth, please visit our floral store.