Ruby Ruona

Ruby Ruona

Ruby Bonita (nee Steele) Ruona, 87, formerly of Sault Ste. Marie, passed away Tuesday, February 5, 2008, at Sanders Nursing Center at Masonic Pathways in Alma.

She was born May 4, 1920, in Pickford to James S. Steele and Janet (nee Stewart) Steele. She spent her younger years in the Pickford area and was graduated from Pickford High School in 1938.

On June 23, 1939, she married Henry Ruona of Rudyard, in Manistique. Their entire married life was spent in Sault Ste. Marie.

Mrs. Ruona was a homemaker until her children were teenagers. Her years of employment were spent at Fillions's Shoe Store, Sears, and the Sault Polyclinic. She retired from the Polyclinic after 13 years as receptionist, when the clinic closed.

She was a member of Faith Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday School and was a member of the Women's Guild. She was also a Lifetime Member of the Order of Eastern Star, Queen of the North Chapter 82.

She is survived by one daughter and her family, Janet "Bonnie" and Bob Johnson of Ontonagon, and one son and his family, Scott and Toni Ruona of Port Orchard, Washington. She was a loving "Nanny," friends said, to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and their families, Kimberly Ruona of Port Orchard, Kelly Ruona of San Jose, California, Brent and Rebecca, Raven and Griffin of Chassell, and Elissa Johnson and David Labyak and Madison, Marissa, and Evan of Hancock. She is also survived by a brother and his family, Greeley and Louise Steele of Marysville; two stepsisters, Gladys Nayback of Troy, and Olive Last of Cheboygan, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, "Hank," who died March 5, 1976, and a daughter, Marilyn, who died at birth December 28, 1943. She was also predeceased by her parents; four sisters, Isabelle Owaski, Inez Nordstrom, Dorothy Andersen, and Lorene Nunn; one brother, William Steele; her stepfather, Wilfred Hancock; and a stepbrother, Arvitt Hancock.

Services were held Tuesday, February 12, at Faith Lutheran Church, in Sault Ste. Marie. Visitation was held from 10 a.m. until noon, with the funeral at noon with the Reverend Paul Raapana conducting the service.

Burial will be in Oaklawn Chapel Gardens in Bruce Township.

Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society or Faith Lutheran Church, 1600 Park Street, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan 49783.

Reamer Galer Funeral Home of Pickford assisted the family with arrangements.