Ruth Ellen HECKMAN [2780]

  Noted events in her life were:

1. Her obituary was published in the Ruth Ellen Rook (Heckman) on 20 December 2009 in Lansing, Ingham, Michigan, United States. Life Legacy

Ruth Ellen Rook (Heckman) 1944 \endash 2009

In July of 1944 a warm, sweet breeze blew Ruth Ellen Rook (Heckman) early into this world - so tiny she could fit into a shoebox. She was one of nine beloved children, born to Catherine and Clarence Heckman in Lansing, Michigan. She spent her childhood at St. Mary's in Lansing and later in Racine, Wisconsin at St. Catherine's Convent and Academy. In the early 1960's she married Eugene Rook and began her own family in Laingsburg, Michigan. Moving to the country was scary and an adventure for Ruth, since she had never driven a car and life on the farm in those days could be hard. But, she took to it with her usual sense of cheer and did not let it hamper her true goal in life-having children and lots of them. She cherished each of her kids her whole life long and even wished for more than the six that she had been able to bring into this world. Ruth was known by many as "a sweet lady" because she was kind and gentle and never had a cross word for anyone.

Regrettably, Ruth developed chronic health conditions in her adulthood, but still she fought hard to regain her health and contribute to her family and society. Ruth had a number of angels in her life that provided essential and timely support, including family, friends, and professionals at Community Mental Health in Lansing and Community Support and Treatment Services in Ann Arbor. With their backing, she was able to improve her health and gain employment, going on to work as a caregiver for countless elders and children.

Ruth is predeceased by her parents and brother (Clarence), and survived by seven sisters and brothers-Elaine (Dennis) Drake, Mary (James) Wolfram, Irene (William) Kneale, Carol Smith, Roy (Gloria) Heckman, Gary (Laura) Heckman, and Alice (Vernon Russell) Walasek; six children-Douglas (Kimberly) Rook, Thomas (Doreen) Rook, Suzanne (Jeffrey) Bartz, David Rook, Annette (Kerwin) Charles, and Janette (Tony McClanaghan) Rook; and four grandchildren-Justin, Jenna, Dalton, and CJ. Some of Mom's closest friends have already passed on (Dottie and Joyce), but she is survived by several of her dearest friends-Marcia, Mickie, Julie, Margaret, and Helen.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 1:30 P.M. Tuesday, December 29, 2009 at St. Mary's Cathedral, 219 Seymore St, Lansing, officiated by Fr. Bernard Reilly. There will be a visitation from 11:00 \endash 1:00 P.M. before the service on Tuesday at Tiffany Funeral Home, 3232 W. Saginaw, Lansing.

Those who knew Ruth learned a great deal from her positive attitude and peaceful acceptance of what life tossed her way. She lived as much as could, as often as she could without unnecessary worry, anxiety or guilt. She was incredibly generous and would give anyone who needed it her last dollar. She did the best that she could and always assumed that others were doing the same. She never held a grudge or kept score, even when circumstances were tough or people that came into her life disappointed her. She was tremendously loyal, and in her eyes her family could do no wrong. She enjoyed the simple things in life--time spent with family, a drive in the country, a cigarette, and a cup coffee or diet soda. Remarkably, she never spoke these lessons aloud, but just lived them quietly and consistently.

Ruth strongly believed in life after death and peacefully awaited the opportunity to see her mother, father, and her brother again in Heaven. Even so, her easy laugh, gentle ways, and loving presence will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

I shall not die of a cold. I shall die of having lived. - Willa Cather
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Ruth married Eugene Howard ROOK Jr. [2775] [MRIN: 4335], son of Eugene Howard ROOK [1996] and Beulah ALLEN [2022].