Ruth Elvera Flatt (Seib)
April 30, 1924 – August 9, 2025
Ruth Flatt (née Seib) passed away peacefully on the morning of August 9, 2025, with her husband and sons by her side. She was 101 years old.
Born in Detroit, Michigan, to Rudolf and Lydia (Fergin) Seib, Ruth was the middle child of three. Her sister, Lee, passed in March 2020, and her brother, Leonard, in 1989. She is survived by her loving husband of 76 years, Gary; her three sons, David, Paul, and Alan, six grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.
Ruth’s early life was filled with music. She studied violin and often played with her sister Lee, filling the family home with melodies that would stay with her for life. The family frequently vacationed to Engadine in the upper peninsula of Michigan where she developed a strong relationship with many cousins. A 1941 graduate of Denby High School in Detroit, Ruth went on to nursing school, earning her Registered Nurse degree in 1945. She was proud of her crisp white nurse’s cap with its black velvet band — a symbol of her dedication to caring for others.
In 1947, Ruth met Gary Flatt, and the two were married in November 1948. They began their married life on Gary’s dairy farm in Engadine, Michigan, where Ruth balanced her work as an RN at Newberry State Hospital with helping on the farm. In 1956, with two young children, they left farming behind and moved to the Detroit area, eventually settling in Harper Woods. After welcoming their third child in 1964, Ruth worked as a physician’s assistant for a pediatrician, later returning to nursing at Deaconess Hospital, where she rose to senior management before retiring in 1986.
Ruth was deeply involved in her community — serving as a Den Mother for her sons’ Cub Scout troop, campaigning for local park improvements, and supporting neighborhood initiatives. After retirement, she and Gary returned to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, settling on Millecoquins Lake, where they enjoyed 17 years of lakeside living among family and friends old and new. This was also a sleep away summer camp for their grandchildren.
In 2003, Ruth and Gary moved to Englewood, Florida, where they joined a vibrant community of fellow “snowbirds” from Engadine.
In 2006, seeking a new chapter, they relocated to Laguna Woods, California, near their son Alan. There, they became active grandparents and were blessed to be present for the arrival of three grandchildren.
In later years, Ruth and Gary moved into an assisted living community in Laguna Hills, where they were embraced by caring neighbors and friends. Ruth participated in clubs and events, cherishing the companionship of those around her.
Ruth will be remembered for her lifelong dedication to caring for others, her deep love for family, her active engagement in every community she called home, and her quiet strength.
Dennis Jack Alberts
February 1, 1947 – August 15, 2025
Longtime Curtis resident, Dennis Jack Alberts, 78, passed away Friday evening August 15, 2025 at McLaren Northern Michigan-Petoskey surrounded by his loving family following a recent illness.
Born February 1, 1947 in Evart, son of the late Archie and Mary (Griffee) Alberts, Dennis was a graduate of Marion High School and graduate of Northern Michigan University receiving a bachelor’s degree in education.
Dennis’ employment career began in Holland, Michigan employed at H.J. Heinz Company for 13 years. A resident of Curtis since 1984, Dennis continued as an educator at Bay Mills College, substitute teacher at Tahquamenon Area Schools and Three Lakes Academy, Louisiana Pacific Corp. and went back to school, receiving certification for employment at the Newberry Correctional Facility. His most recent employment was as a building inspector for Portage Township, Newton Township, Garfield Township and Luce County.
Dennis was a former EMT for the Portage Township Ambulance Corp. and a former trustee of the Tahquamenon Area School District. Dennis was a member of the Curtis Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon, and enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, trapping and an avid writer, writing short stories, songs and poems. Dennis cherished time spent with his family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Dennis loved youth sports, coaching his grandchildren in basketball and soccer.
In addition to his parents, Dennis is preceded in death by his siblings Ronald Alberts, Mike Alberts and Kay Brown.
Survivors include his loving wife, the former Susan Elaine Fuller, whom he married October 20, 1967 in Curtis; children Scott (Samantha) Alberts of Stuart, Florida, Cheryl (Keith) Laabs of Curtis and Clark Alberts of Wayland; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; siblings Bruce (Catherine) Alberts of Columbiaville, Rose (Mike) Outman of Blanchard, Connie Steenwyk of Grand Rapids, Curtis (Michele) Alberts of McBain and Todd Alberts of Marion; brother-in-law Dewey Brown of Marion; sister-in-law Cindy Alberts of McBain; several nieces and nephews.
Per request, cremation services were accorded. A gathering of family and friends will take place Saturday August 30, 2025 from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon at the Curtis Baptist Church. A Memorial Service celebrating the life of Dennis will follow at 12:00 noon at the church with Pastor Ben Roohr officiating.
Memorials may be directed to Marcy’s Pantry, W17455 Main Street, Curtis, Michigan 49820 in his loving memory.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
James Donlin Depew
August 5, 1937 – August 17, 2025
James “Jim” Donlin Depew, 88, of Newberry, passed away on August 17, 2025, at McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital in Petoskey with his devoted family by his side.
Born on August 5, 1937, in Munising to Bertha (Hixon) and Willard Depew, Jim grew up with four siblings in the little city, which he always held dear to his heart.
Jim and Laurie Runsat were married on June 6th, 1964, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, beginning a long legacy of a family who all share a love for their communities, sports, having a good time, and people.
Jim loved Newberry and the people who called it home. He not only showed his appreciation by attending every sporting event he could fit into his busy schedule, but also by being a member of the Newberry Elks Club, Newberry Country Club, Newberry Ambassadors, St. Gregory’s Catholic Church, Newberry Sports Boosters, Tahquamenon Area Credit Union board, and an MHSAA official for many years.
Jim is survived by his wife of 61 years, Laurie, and his five children, Molly (Larry) Orr, Kenn (Shorleen) Depew, Robert “Hondo” Depew, Jason “Ace” (Theresa) Depew, and Jimm (Toni) Depew; brother-in-law Rick (Lorraine) Runsat; 18 grandchildren – Jaymie, Kyle, Jamie, Brett, Marissa, Adrian, Logan, Tyler, Bryanna, Darion, James, Cameron D., Kennedy, Trenidy, Alazayah, Gaiyje, Cameron B., and Lola; 9 great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and many…MANY special friends.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Willard and Bertha (Hixon) Depew; brothers, David and Jack (Linda) Depew, and sisters Molly (George) Schmidt and Beverly (David) Ghiardi; parents-in-law, Robert and Edna (Tourville) Runsat; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Robert (Annabelle) Runsat and Kenneth “Idge” (Mary) Runsat.
Services will be held at St. Gregory Catholic Church in Newberry on Friday, August 22, 2025. Visiting time with family and friends will be from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Father Jacek Wytklo will celebrate Jim’s memorial Mass at 2:00 p.m. There will be a celebration of life at the Newberry Elk’s Club following Mass. Interment will be on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Munising at 11:00 a.m. All friends and family are welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Jim’s name may be made to the Tahquamenon Area Sports Boosters (TASB), P.O. Box 299, Newberry, MI 49868.
Jim’s obituary and tribute wall may be found at bowermanfuneralhome.net
