Ruth Ann Vrable

Ruth Ann "Ruthie" Vrable of Little Lake, Michigan unexpectedly passed away at the University of Michigan Medical Center on Saturday, April 20th, 2024, at the age of 73. Ruth was born in Owosso on July 20th, 1950, and came home to Steve and Margaret Vrable's family farm in Chesaning, Michigan. We all know that growing up on a farm is filled with work and chores as well as providing a vast playground of childhood fun and memory making.
Ruthie attended the local one room Frink school as a young child. Ruth graduated as Valedictorian from Chesaning High School in 1968 and went on to Michigan State University to earn a degree in Microbiology. Her career connected her to several doctors within MSU's Animal Science labs and she held the position as Lead LabTech for 31 years.
Ruth's lifelong passion and love of gardens and animals grew from her parents' teachings on the farm. Her perennial and annual gardens at all her homes drew admiration, and her vegetable gardens could have been award winning. Besides being an avid gardener, Ruth exhibited culinary skills in the kitchen and mastered the family recipes which we all enjoyed!
On March 23,1997, Ruth married the "Love of her Life", Dennis Pratt. They were a hands-on power couple, redoing a home in Williamston, MI, building a log cabin on a lake in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, as well as building a winter home in Arizona. Ruth and Denny hosted family and friends often and were the ultimate guides to fun and games.
Some of their greatest adventures during retirement were when Ruth and Denny traveled with RV friends through the western US and Canadian national parks. They also were thrilled to have traveled to Australia and New Zealand to visit family on Denny's side.
She was predeceased by her parents, Margaret Ruthanna (Johnson) Vrable and Stephen John Vrable, numerous aunts and uncles including her special favorites, Larry and Gertrude Mahoney. Her stepdaughter, Heather Stringer, also passed previously.
Surviving is her husband Dennis Pratt of Little Lake, MI. Siblings: Mary Ellyn (Larry) Boledovich of Naperville, IL; Richard S. (Barbara) Vrable of Chesaning, MI; Kathy M. (Joseph) Bogar of Grand Blanc, MI; Lifelong Best Friend, Linda Shankland of East Lansing, MI. Stepchildren: Ronald Pratt, Doug (Linda) Pratt, Daniel Pratt (Loretta Nagle), Becky Coleman Pratt, and Sean Stringer. Nieces and nephews: Craig M. Boledovich, Jason (Jami) Boledovich, Carisa (Charles) Livingston, Melisa (Roderick) McCafferty, Nicole (Neal) Gazzeny, Ruzena (Michael) Morrill, Meghan (Jeff Grubbs) Boledovich and Alena Bogar. Great nieces and nephews: Drew, Taylor, Blake, Grant, Troy, Cade, Paige, Zoe, Brooklyn, Garrett, Gavin, Blair, Isaiah, Amalia, and Elvin. Step grandchildren: Brandi, Alyssa, Kelsi, and John.
In honor of Ruthie's lifelong dedication to science, research and supporting women; in lieu of flowers, donations will support the Women's Heart Program at the University of Michigan. Checks may be made payable to "University of Michigan" and sent to 777 E. Eisenhower Pkwy., Suite 650, Ann Arbor, MI 48108. Please include "In memory of Ruth Ann Vrable" in the memo line of the check or in an attached note. You may also call 734-764-6777 or visit the website victors.us/ruthannvrable to make your gift.
A memorial will be held at McGeehan Funeral Home - Martin Chapel in Chesaning, MI on May 17, 2024. Visitation will be from 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm. At 3:00 pm there will be an opportunity for family and friends to share their memories and stories of Ruth with a celebration of her life.