Ruth Marilyn Wilkinson

Ruth Wilkinson, 91, of Paw Paw, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at her home in Paw Paw. 

She was born June 30, 1932, in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Leroy Renwick and Nelle (Lutz) Renwick. 

Ruth graduated from Loretto Academy in Chicago, Illinois. She then earned her Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry and Physics from Mount Mary College in Milwaukee in 1954, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Ruth wasn't done there though. In 1966, she earned her Masters Degree in Mathematics from Western Michigan University. She taught at Hartford, Mattawan and Paw Paw High Schools and Paw Paw Community ED for a time. 

Ruth was a very talented seamstress and taught her daughters how to sew. She also possessed great skill for the piano. Ruth loved to be involved in her community and was a member of many organizations throughout town. She was the Treasurer for the Lakeview Hospital Auxiliary, a member of the St. Mary's Church Finance Committee, Eagle Lake Paw Paw Association, a Girl and Boy Scout Leader and donated 10 Gallons of blood for the American Red Cross. 

On October 29, 1955, in Hartford, MI, she married Glen "Bob" Robert Wilkinson who preceded in death June 28, 2003.

She is survived by her five daughters, Tina (Craig) Ernsberger of Paw Paw, MI, Teri Boudreau of Rio Rico, AZ, Tami (Scott) Hickmott of Paw Paw, MI, Mary (Mike) Miller, and Ann (Troy) Schultz; son, Glen Wilkinson, III of Middleville, MI; brother, Tom (Sheila) Wright; fourteen grandchildren, Daniel Ernsberger, Sandra (Carson Leh) Ernsberger, Nicole (Ron Courtney) Miller, David (Alyssa) Miller, Leif (Liz Burch) Eggert, Mike (Megan Moore) Hickmott, Jessica (John) Davis, Melissa (Chuck) Rose, Frank (Tammy) Miller, Ariana Schultz, Braden Schultz, Carson Schultz, Jaci (Aaron) Munn, and Dylan Fischer. 

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, husband and brother, Ronald (Lois) Renwick.

Family and friends are invited to visit on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Home, 502 W. Michigan Avenue. Those who wish to join us in reciting the Rosary are welcome to do so at 5:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Mary Catholic Church, 209 N. Brown Street, Paw Paw. Interment will follow at Saint Mary Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be directed to St Jude's Children's Research Hospital, Centrica Care Navigators, 7100 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49009 or the Decatur VFW Roof Fund, 560 Phelps Street, Decatur, MI 49045. 

Impact the lives of St. Jude’s kids - St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org)