Ruth Kauffman, 92, Michigan

September 16, 1918 - May 26, 2011

    Ruth Michaelson Kauffman, age 92, passed away May 26, 2011, at home in Clinton, Mich. In accordance with her wishes she has been cremated and her cremains will be taken to Glenwood, her childhood hometown. Memorial gifts in her name may be given to the wonderful people at Hospice of Lenawee or the Lenawee Humane Society, both in Adrian, Mich., and would be deeply appreciated. Arrangements have been entrusted to Handler Funeral Homes. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.handlerfuneralhomes.com.
    She was born in Dubuque on Sept. 16, 1918, the only child of Edward and Pauline (Ferris) Michaelson.  
    Ruth worked for the Selective Service board during World War II in Glenwood. A move took her to Los Angeles, Calif.; Omaha, Neb.; and Arkansas City, Kan. to open a children’s clothing store, “The Jack & Jill.” She later went to work as a secretary for General Electric at Strother Field in Kansas. The next move was to Houston, Texas, still working for GE and a Buick dealer. During this time she met and later married Bill Kauffman. She was off and running again - this time back to Kansas for GE.  One more move took her to Michigan to become an executive secretary for GM working in the GM Building. Her next move was to Clifton Park, N.Y., then to Coshocton, Ohio.
    Retirement found Ruth and Bill in Sun City West, Ariz., then on to The Villages in Florida. She subsequently moved back to Michigan in 2006 to be close to her family.  Ruth never let the grass grow under her feet.
    She was preceded in death by her loving husband Willis (Bill) Kauffman in 2003. She is survived by her daughter Jacquelyn (Bill) Schmidt, four grandchildren; Scott, David and Randy Schmidt and Julie Vale; also  survived by nine great-grandchildren, Rory and Rio Vale, Michael, Nicholas and Nathan Schmidt, Allyson and Ashlyn Schmidt and Julien and Hannah Schmidt. Thanks to her special caregiver, Sandy Fox, who was with her for the last two years.