Ruth P. Szymoniak
Ruth P. Szymoniak, 88, of Onaway, died Saturday, January 30, 2021 at Medilodge of Cheboygan. The daughter of Ralph and Madge (Jackson) Rogers, Ruth was born in Onaway September 12, 1932. She married the love of her life, Raymond “Ray” C. Szymoniak, October 11, 1952 at the Onaway Baptist Church.
Ruth first met Ray in the 11th grade. They dated through their junior and senior years of high school and went their separate ways after graduation. Ruth went on to County Normal to begin her teacher’s training, but soon after moved to Pontiac to work in a bank and for the Vernor’s Company. Eventually she returned to Onaway, finished her schooling at County Normal, and began teaching at the Hackett Lake School. It was during this time she reunited with Ray.
It wasn’t long after they married that Ray and Ruth started their family and Ruth left teaching to be at home with her babies. The Szymoniak children were truly blessed with a nurturing, caring mother and a wonderful role model. Strong in spirit and wise, she made sure to raise her children with plenty of family get-togethers, music, singing, square dancing, hunting, fishing, family rides, picnics on the riverbank and sporting events, but most of all, she made sure there was always love! She was involved in the lives of her children and was there for them when they needed her. Ruth worked as a substitute teacher at Onaway schools and as a Girl Scout leader, taught her girls to cook and sew. Her family has fond memories of high school game nights, when teammates and friends were welcomed at their home for some of Ruth’s delicious home cooking and dessert before the big game. She cooked, baked, canned, sewed and was still making baby quilts for the newest great-grand babies (that are still coming).
With her family nearly raised, Ruth was 40 years old when she took a job in housekeeping at the UAW Education Center. Her position eventually became working the front desk where she was able to meet and get to know people from all over the country. With her friendly disposition, it was a job that suited Ruth well. She enjoyed her work at the UAW until she retired in 1994. Following retirement, Ray and Ruth enjoyed traveling throughout the United States. They golfed and spent winters in Florida but were usually quite anxious in the spring to return home to Onaway. They made it a point to take a vacation each year on their anniversary, always taking the scenic route wherever they traveled, as the trees were usually in full color and beautiful that time of year. Ruth loved her music, loved to sing and play the guitar, banjo, organ and piano. She enjoyed reminiscing and telling stories of her Grandma Rogers teaching her to cook and sew when she was just a little girl. Grandma Rogers cultivated Ruth’s passion for cooking that stayed with her throughout her entire life. She was always happy and content to be in her kitchen baking, cooking, and making homemade treats to send to friends and family. Kindhearted and caring, Ruth would drop everything to help someone in need. She loved people and had no problem having an hour-long conversation with a complete stranger or someone who dialed the wrong number. She had an infectious laugh and made anyone who entered her home feel welcome and loved. Ruth’s greatest joy and happiness came from her family. She loved seeing, holding, and rocking new babies in her arms and was anxiously awaiting the arrival of her newest great-grandchild in March. A longtime member of St. Paul Catholic Church, Ruth had a strong faith in God and her Catholic Church. She dearly loved Father Patrick and always looked forward to his visits. Faithful to saying the rosary, Ruth’s rosary beads could always be found on the nightstand next to her bed. Cheerful and friendly, Ruth had a zest for living. With her heart full of love for Ray, her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren she was the glue that held their family together. Ruth was truly a blessing to all who knew and loved her.
Ruth’s love, wisdom, advice and her beautiful
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Doris Campbell and Carole Richards; a brother, Bert Rogers; and a son-in-law, Mark West. At this time Ruth will be honored by her family privately. Services are being planned for a later date. Ruth’s final resting place will be at Hillcrest Cemetery.