Michael John Painter
October 1, 1945 – December 5, 2022
Lifelong Newberry resident, Michael John Painter Sr., went home to be with the Lord Monday December 5, 2022.
Born October 1, 1945 in Sault Ste. Marie, son of the late John and Aune (Pekkanen) Painter, Michael was a 1964 graduate of Newberry High School and attended Northern Michigan University in Marquette for two years.
After college, he worked downstate for a short time before returning to Newberry and briefly worked for the Luce County Road Commission. Later in 1966, he began working at the former Newberry Regional Mental Health Center as an Attendant Nurse until his retirement in 1992, following 26 years of service. After retirement, he still worked various jobs to keep himself busy.
Michael loved hunting, camping, riding 4-wheelers and being outdoors, especially along the shores of Lake Superior. He was a member of the American Legion Post #74 and the John T. Bouchard #3701 Fraternal Order of Eagles until his health made it too difficult to attend. He was also a member of the Michigan Sheriff’s Association.
In addition to his parents, Michael is preceded in death by his brother-in-law Neil Speerbrecker.
Survivors include his loving wife of 56 years, the former Sharon Richardson, whom he married February 12, 1966 in Newberry; children Julie (Timothy) Plumb of Newberry, Michael II (Kelley) Painter of Newberry and Mary (Gary) Carpenter of Newark, Ohio; grandchildren T.J. and Joseph Plumb both of Newberry, Michaela (Alex) Cummings and Joseph Bowler all of Newark, Ohio, Kyle Brauer of Tom’s River, New Jersey, Nicholas Painter of Newberry and Dewey Plumb of Michigan; great-grandsons Alexander Cummings of Newark, Ohio and Dewey Plumb of Manistique.; sister Diane Jordan of Seattle, Washington; brother-in-law’s Francis (Arlene) Richardson of Newberry, Jesse (Helen) Richardson of Algoma, Wisconsin and Alex (Demaris) Richardson of Newberry; sister-in-law’s Elizabeth (Robert) VanEpps of Sault Ste. Marie, Gloria (Michael) Legacy of Sault Ste. Marie, Barbara Speerbrecker of Newberry and Carole (Dan Heitman) Smart of Escanaba; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Per request, cremation services were accorded. A memorial service celebrating the life of Michael will be held Saturday December 17, 2022 at 11:00 am at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Newberry with Pastor Melinda VanderSys officiating.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Ruth Violet Ranger
August 3, 1929 – December 10, 2022
Longtime area resident, Ruth Violet Ranger, 93, of McMillan, died Saturday afternoon December 10, 2022 at U.P. Health Systems-Marquette with her loving family at her side.
Born August 3, 1929 in Iron Mountain, daughter of the late George and Marion (Thistle) Davis, Ruth worked on the family farm and later was employed at the former Newberry Regional Mental Health Center for over 34 years, retiring as a Licensed Practical Nurse.
On June 30, 1967, Ruth married Clifford “Sonny” Ranger in Newberry. Ruth was an active member of the Big Mac Pac Snowmobile Club in Naubinway enjoying the members of the club and loved taking her grandchildren to their winter activities as well as the annual Easter egg hunt. Ruth was an avid outdoorsperson, spending time at their camp in the Gould City area and hunting deer, bear, rabbit and fishing with her husband and grandchildren. Her husband Cliff was a trapper and Ruth would assist in the skinning and dressing, always being told what a great job she did. Ruth was also an avid vegetable gardener.
In addition to her parents, Ruth is preceded in death by her husband Clifford on May 11, 2016; daughter Holly Ranger; stepchildren Clifford Ranger Jr., Charles Ranger, Theresa Ranger and Rose Marie Mahar; siblings George “Lewis” Davis, Wesley Davis, Helen Loper, Joyce Hood, Rose Petosky, Maude Holbrook and Margaret Freed.
Survivors include her children Gladys (Bob) Rigdon of Lakefield and Candy (Bill) Snyder of Germfask; stepchildren Catherine Ranger of Sault Ste. Marie, Karen Jean (Edgar) Franco of Allen, Texas and Mary (Maggie) Fatout of Bradenton, Florida; 19 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; brother Jimmy (Shirley) Davis of Newberry.
Per request, cremation services were accorded with no public services scheduled.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
