Ruth Mary Foote
June 22, 1925 – October 4, 2023
Ruth Mary Foote, a woman who devoted her life to the Lord, passed away on Wednesday, October 4th, 2023, in Petoskey, Michigan surrounded by friends and family. Ruth, 98, of Afton was born on June 22, 1925, the daughter of Howard and Cora (Velte) Klahn. After graduating from high school Ruth married the love of her life, Henry Foote, and together they created lasting memories until his passing in 1995.
Ruth was a member of the Wolverine Free Methodist Church. Her hobbies included gardening, bird watching, and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will greatly miss her warm and generous spirit.
Ruth is survived by her son, Allan Foote; son-in-law David Dankenbring; grandchildren, Kent (Melissa) Dankenbring, Derek (Tara) Foote, Catreena Foote, and John Foote; and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry; daughter, Joyce Dankenbring; and son, Larry Foote.
The funeral will be at Wolverine Free Methodist Church, officiating with Pastor Steve Evoy on Saturday, October 14, at 1pm. Interment to follow at Walker Township Cemetery in Fingerboard Corner, Cheboygan County.
John G. Purcell
July 15, 1930 – October 9, 2023
Longtime Paradise resident, John “Jack” Gordon Purcell, 93, died Monday morning October 9, 2023 at McLaren Northern Michigan in Petoskey. Jack was born July 15, 1930 in Goodrich, son of the late Clair and Marjorie (Bedford) Purcell and a 1948 graduate of St. Michael High School in Flint.
On July 10, 1951, Jack enlisted into the United States Army serving during the Korean War until his honorable discharge on July 9, 1953, attaining the rank of Private First Class. While in the service, Jack married the lovely Beverly Wissmueller on December 29, 1951 in Flint, Michigan.
Following his discharge, they resided in Flint where he was employed as a Tool and Die Maker for Chevrolet for several years until his retirement in 1978.
Following his retirement, Jack and Beverly moved to Paradise where he was a longtime active member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church. A very special focus of Jack’s life was Our Lady of Victory parish-its people and the maintenance and beauty of its grounds. His humble, quiet stewardship extended for over 45 years. He was instrumental in the building of its new church in 1994 when the original church burned. Every aspect of its equipment and grounds received his care and attention-the cemetery, church grounds and parking lot, the sound and heating system. He was the one who researched and oversaw purchase of our beautiful Our Lady of Victory statue. Also inspiring about Jack was his dedication to daily Mass-early on at Fr. Walter Burke’s house and recently at the Companions of Christ the Lamb Formation Center.
Jack was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #2929, the American Legion Post #74 and lifetime member of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society. Jack was an avid NASCAR fan, attending several racing events, and also enjoyed tinkering in his shed.
In addition to his parents, Jack is preceded in death by his siblings Joyce Callahan, Robert Purcell and Thomas Purcell.
Survivors include his loving wife, Beverly, of Paradise; children Janette Van Horn of Columbiaville, John (Cheryl) Purcell and Patricia (Ken) Major all of Paradise; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; siblings Buzz (Jill) Purcell of Swartz Creek and Dennis (Cathy) Purcell of Arizona; several nieces and nephews.
A gathering of family and friends will take place Wednesday October 18, 2023 from 12:00 noon until 1:00 pm at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Paradise. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 1:00 pm at the church with Fr. Jacek Wtyklo officiating. Rite of Committal with full military rites conducted by the United States Army Honor Guard and the American Legion Post #74 will follow at the Our Lady of Victory Cemetery.
Memorials may be directed to Two by Two Rescue, PO Box 708, Helena, Alabama 35080 or at www.twobytworescue.com .
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
