Ann-Marie Ruder

February 25, 2026 Editor

Ann-Marie Ruder, 81, of Presque Isle, passed February 22, 2026, after battling COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) for 30-plus years. She was the first child born to Edwin and Evelyn (Otto) Ruder and lived in Detroit until 2012.

She is survived by her brother Leon Frank; a nephew Christopher, a grandniece, Bethany; her sister, Eileen Mary (John) Martini; nieces, Mandi (Scott) Hagedorn, kids: Alexander and Cecelia; Kori (Eric) Retzbach, kids: Mia, Chloe and Lucas; and her favorite cousin, Harold Ruder.

After graduating with a degree in physical therapy and special education, she taught multiple students at Leland Orthopedic and Cody High School for 17 years. Ann-Marie became a special education counselor at Denby High in 1986. She earned her education specialist degree in 1990 and retired in 2001.

Ann-Marie was an active member of All Saints Parish where she served on the pastoral and financial councils, trained lectors and Eucharistic ministers and sang in the choir.

span>Her community involvement included appointment to the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary advisory council, librarian for Thunder Bay Arts Council Community Chorus, treasurer of the Presque Isle Women’s Club, and was a member of the Critical Incident Stress Management team of northeast Michigan. Ann-Marie enjoyed reading, training rescued dogs, carpentry, singing and raising perennial flowers. She took pride in being part of studies at the University of Michigan, helping to advance the care of COPD patients. She will be missed dearly by family and friends.

A viewing will be held at St. Anne Catholic Church (817 Sable Street, Alpena, MI 49707) Monday, March 2, at 9 a.m., followed by Mass at 11a.m. with the Rev. Emmanuel Finbarr as celebrant. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Huron Humane Society in honor of Ann-Marie Ruder. Arrangements have been entrusted to McWilliams Funeral Home.