Ruth E. Manolis

Ruth Elizabeth Manolis – Age 66 –Born to the late Richard Workman and Beverly (Howard) Workman in Muskegon, Michigan on July 11, 1958; was called to be with the Lord on August 11, 2024. She always took care of everyone. A walking medical miracle, every year with her was a blessing. The best depiction used to describe her since her sudden passing; made you feel like family instantaneously and loved with her whole heart.

Ruth Workman grew up one of 5 siblings. Her father was a pastor for the Wesleyan ministry and they found home in many cities throughout the state of Michigan. Ruth graduated from Shelby High School in 1976 with honors and got her degree in Nursing right after. She loved being a nurse so much and it showed to all the patients she took care of in the duration of her 30 year career. She met her forever love, Marino Manolis, in 1980 in Muskegon, Michigan where he was on vacation that summer. They fell instantly in love and married on April 17, 1982 and were devoted soulmates for 41 years.  Marino became an instant father to Ruth’s son, Ryan, and later that year they were blessed with a daughter, Alethea. In 1984 and 1992, they would be blessed with 2 more sons, Andreas and Marino Anthony, into their lives.

Ruth adored her family and the many friends she made through the years. She was the best mom, always making sure all the kids got to every dance rehearsal, wrestling match, concert, play or field trip. She was always the class room mom or stage mom and as the kids grew up, their friends became her kids too. She always welcomed everyone with open arms. She was an avid reader, loved enjoying many authors and sharing the great ones with her mom or sisters. She loved classic music and was amazing in her garden.

She was also a Lupus warrior and continued to be a tireless caretaker to all those she loved. She was a devout Orthodox Christian and loved teaching in Sunday School after she was chrismated in the Church. She loved playing the piano and singing to all the kids and grandkids growing up, she would even make up little songs for each of them to help them fall asleep. Ruth and Marino were blessed with 9 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren and were in love with all of them. She loved cruising in the car shows with her 'Sweet Greek' (her pet name for Marino) in the anniversary gift he bought her which happened to be a classic car the Bobby Darrin bought for Sandra Dee in 1970. They thought it fit their 'dream love' to a tee.

Ruth was a devoted wife, beloved mother, yia-yia, sister, aunt, cousin and friend. She loved without measure. She asked for so little, but gave so very much. Those special memories of her will always bring a smile. If only we could have her back for just a little while. Then we could sit and talk again, just like we used to do. She will always mean so very much and always will too. The fact that she’s no longer here will always cause us pain, but she’s forever in our hearts until we meet again.

Ruth was preceded in death by her loving husband Marino Manolis; she is survived by her children: Ryan (Dodge), Alethea, Andreas and Marino Anthony Manolis; her grandchildren: Amanda (Dudek), Kali, Samantha, Ryan Jr., and Dani (Dodge), Alexandria and Lukas (Manolis), Olivia and Liam (McCoy). Ruth is also survived by her sister and brother-in law Pam and Bruce Inch, and brother Timothy Workman. She was preceded in death by  brother Richard Workman and sister Catherine Torrenga. She is also survived by sister-in-law Anastasia (Eleftherios) Paravas, brother-in-law John (Maria) Manolis and sister Eleni (Stavros) Bogiatzian. She was preceded in death by her parents Richard and Beverly Workman and her brothers-in-law Eleftherios (Anastasia) Paravas and Stavros (Eleni) Bogiatzian. Ruth will be laid to rest next to Marino in Michigan Memorial Cemetery.

Funeral service 10:00am Monday, August 19 (In state from 9:30am) at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 16300 Dix-Toledo, Southgate.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial contributions directly to the family.