Ruth Arlene Helmrich

Ruth Arlene (Altland) Helmrich, of Birmingham and Glen Lake, Michigan, died peacefully on March 14, 2013, in Traverse City. She was the beloved wife of the late William F. Helmrich and mother of Saundra (Wilson) and the late Ruthann (Walsh).

In her 95 years, Ruth was rarely without a smile or a kind word. She loved to laugh and liked nothing better than to be surrounded by friends and family to laugh with her. She will be remembered as a wonderful mother, sister and friend, as well as a much-loved granny and great granny with a happy heart and an open-door policy for visitors. Everyone who knew her was affected by her relentlessly positive outlook on life.

Ruth is survived by her daughter Saundra (Terry) Wilson of Traverse City, MI, and Mount Dora, FL, her sister Shirley Todd of Bloomfield Hills, MI, and her grandchildren Cheryl (Robert) van Tilburg of Singapore, David (Sara) Wilson of Dallas, Kelly (Ben) Hall of Milton, MA, and Timothy (Carrie) Walsh of San Francisco, four grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made in Ruth's name to the charity of the donor's choice. A memorial service celebrating Ruth's life will take place this summer.