Ruth Beattie

Ruth Julia Beattie, age 99, passed away peacefully on Thursday evening, April 23, 2020.

She was born September 28, 1920 in Detroit, Michigan to the late George and Julia Schonschek.

Beloved wife of the late Jackson Russell Beattie. Loving mother of Byron (Mary Lou) Beattie and Bruce (Nipha) Beattie. Proud Grandma of 5 grandchildren, Jon, James, Scott, Lauren and Joseph. Loving Great-grandma of 3 great-grandchildren, Vivian Anna, and Lucy. Loving sister of the late Orville (Joan) Schonschek. There are many other friends whose hearts she touched in her long life. She will be sadly missed.

She was a strong and determined woman in everything thing she tried to do. She was a tomboy while growing up in Detroit. She enjoyed swimming well into her 80s, doing laps at the Z pool in Trenton. Figure skating was factor from an early age, walking to rinks in both Detroit and meeting friends in Windsor for a day of skating. While in her 50s, she went  to a figure skating club in Toledo, Ohio to take and pass compulsory ice dancing tests.

She traveled frequently with her late husband, traveling to all 50 states and 7 countries in Europe. Many of the states were covered by camping with either tent campers, solid state trailers or a small RV. When their children were younger, the travel experiences together were enjoyed immensely.

Ruth Beattie’s biggest passion was her music. Learning to play the piano at an early age, she played for Sunday School at her church in Detroit at age 12. She improved her craft by taking more lessons on the organ with Bach being one of her inspirations to learn more. She played the organ at different churches before joining Allen Park Presbyterian Church until she retired at age 88, covering over 30 years there. When she retired, she was presented the award “Organist Emeritus” by the church. She was very honored to receive it.

In the late 1970s, she was practicing at home on her organ, one of Bruce’s friends dropped by to visit. Ruth noticed that he carried a songbook (with sheet music) of The Doors. She opened the book and played “Riders On The Storm” - flawlessly. The friend was astonished and remembers it to this day.

It gave her great joy by calling her children and grandchildren and played “Happy Birthday” for them.

She loved her sons and encouraged them to do the best in everything they tried to accomplish. She was always concerned with the welfare of everyone in her family.

At the request of Ruth, cremation has taken place.  Inurnment Allen Park Presbyterian Church Columbarium. A Memorial Service will be scheduled at a later date.