Ruth Bruder

Ruth Wilma (Lorf) Bruder, age 97, of Vassar, died Tuesday, July 31, 2018, at Vassar Fields Assisted Living Facility. A funeral service will take place Saturday, August 4, 2018, at 11:00 am at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Vassar. Pastor James Plocher will officiate. Private burial will take place at Eastlawn Memorial Gardens. Ruth’s family will be present to receive friends at Martin Funeral Home in Vassar, on Friday from 2:00 pm until 7:00 pm. On Saturday, Ruth will be taken to church to lie in state from 10:00 am until the time of service at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may consider memorial contributions to St. Luke’s Lutheran Church. Envelopes are available at the funeral home, or at church. Ruth was born on December 24, 1920, in Richmond, Michigan, the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Frank and Martha Lorf. Ruth and Harvey A. Bruder were united in marriage on April 14, 1941. In her free time, Ruth enjoyed painting, gardening, and crocheting. Ruth was a member of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church and the Ladies Aid at the church. Left to cherish her memory are her two daughters: Sharon and husband, Donald Thurston, and Carolyn and husband, Robert Schnell; six grandchildren: Nancy and husband, Luke Bierlein, Daniel and wife, Ann Thurston, Cindy and husband, Kevin Taylor, Julie and husband, Joe Coffey, Kristie and husband, Paul Forgue, and Dennis and wife, Kimberly Thurston; 16 great-grandchildren; grandson-in-law: Mark Burkitt; one sister: Marion Wolfe; and many nieces and nephews. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Harvey A. Bruder, parents, and granddaughter, Katherine Burkitt, six brothers and one sister.