Cover photo for Ruth Clara (Fahling)  Andrus's Obituary
Ruth Clara (Fahling)  Andrus Profile Photo
1928 Ruth 2021

Ruth Clara (Fahling) Andrus

July 18, 1928 — October 6, 2021

Kalamazoo

Ruth Clara Andrus passed away peacefully at her home Wednesday evening, October 6, 2021. She was born July 18, 1928, in Conklin, MI a daughter of the late Philip and Matilda (Kraft) Fahling. Ruth attended Trinity Lutheran School and Sparta High School where she graduated valedictorian of her Senior class. A few years after graduation, she began employment as a telephone operator for Michigan Bell before moving into their business office where she remained until retiring in 1982. During her retirement, Ruth and her husband, Al, traveled the states in their motorhome and spent their winters in Florida.

Ruth was a charter member of Lutheran Church of the Savior where she served on the altar guild. She was a member of the American Legion. Ruth also enjoyed volunteering at Loaves and Fishes and Telephone Pioneers as well as giving back to the community through her love of quilting, sewing, crocheting, and knitting. She made countless mittens and blankets for families in need here and abroad.

Ruth was known for many things, but she was famous for her delicious pies! A family favorite on holidays, during family reunions, and any other day the family could convince her to make one.

In 1947 Ruth married William Tomlinson who passed away in 1972. On September 17, 1977, Ruth married Albert Andrus who preceded her in death on October 8, 2008. She was also preceded in death by a son, William Tomlinson; and three siblings, Nathalie Budnik, Roland Fahling & his wife, Cathola, and Philip Fahling. Ruth is survived by a daughter, Barbara Wright; daughter-in-law, Shari Tomlinson; stepchildren, James (Debbie) Andrus, and Jane (Art) Markle; grandchildren, Sarah Wright, Natisha Mitchell, Michael Wright, William (Jennifer) Tomlinson, Griffith Tomlinson, Shane Tomlinson and Samantha Markle; great-grandchildren, Kayla Mitchell, Davion Mitchell, Trystan Wright, Michael Wright, Jr., Joseph Wright, and Ashton Wright; siblings, Christine (William) Kantola, Marvin (Ruth) Fahling, and Waldo (Betty) Fahling; sister-in-law, Sharon Fahling; and several nieces and nephews. Ruth's family will receive guests on Wednesday morning, October 13, 2021, at Lutheran Church of the Savior, 3616 East G Avenue, from 10 to 11:00 when a memorial service will begin with Pastor Nikki Smith officiating. Private burial of cremated remains will be held in Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to Lutheran Church of the Savior. Services entrusted to Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 622 S Burdick St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. To view Ruth's personalized web page, please visit https://www.langelands.com

The family would like to thank all the staff at Sojourner Place for their compassionate care of Ruth. And, a special thank you to nurses from Elara Hospice.

To order memorial trees in memory of Ruth Clara (Fahling) Andrus, please visit our tree store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Memorial Visitation

Wednesday, October 13, 2021

10:00 - 11:00 am (Eastern time)

Lutheran Church of the Savior

3616 East G Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49004

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Memorial Service

Wednesday, October 13, 2021

Starts at 11:00 am (Eastern time)

Lutheran Church of the Savior

3616 East G Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49004

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

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