Ruth E. Yeske

Ruth Elaine (Sawyer) Yeske, 96, of St. Joseph passed away peacefully at Woodland Terrace, Bridgman, on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024.

Ruth was born April 14, 1927, in Detroit, the second of two daughters born to Clinton Lewis Sawyer and Alma Emily (Stebbin) Sawyer. Ruth and her family moved to Southwest Michigan in 1936, where she graduated from Bridgman High School and started working at Malleable Industries in 1945. Ruth worked in some sort of accounting role for the remainder of her work career.

Ruth married Robert Yeske shortly after he returned from World War II in November 1947. They had two sons, David and Christopher. Ruth was a life-long member of St. Peter's Church in St. Joseph.

Ruth and Robert owned and operated Yeske's Appliances along with Donald and Arletta Yeske. The store was located in Benton Harbor for many years.

Ruth loved to cook and always had a favorite recipe she would make for each family member. Ruth and Robert also loved playing board games and especially playing cards with Aunt June and Uncle Harry. Ruth lived to love and care for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be remembered by her family and friends as a genuine, loving, caring mother, grandmother and lifelong friend. She touched the lives of many people with her caring smile and gentle nature.

Ruth is survived by sons: David (Linda) Yeske and Chris (Melissa) Yeske, both of St. Joseph; grandsons: Jason (Rebecca) Yeske of Macomb Township, Mich., Douglas (Judy) Briney of Elkhart, Ind., Steven (Rebecca) Yeske of Newport, Mich.; granddaughters: Cameron Bouley of Baroda, Lydia Yeske of Holland; 10 great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions can be made in Ruth's honor to The Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org.

Arrangements are being handled by Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home in Coloma. Those wishing to leave an online message for the family may do so at www.duffieldpastrick.com.