TRAVERSE CITY — Ruth E. McWatters, 98, of Traverse City, went home to be with her Lord on Thursday, June 9, 2011, at Tendercare of Traverse City in Traverse City.Ruth was born on Saturday, July 20, 1912, to the late Frank and Ethelyn (Smith) Akins in Bellaire. She entered into marriage with Fred D. McWatters on Thursday, June 6, 1935, in Petoskey. Ruth had been employed by Setwell Manufacturing. She was a member of Mt. Zion Family Worship Center and was very active in all areas of her church. Ruth enjoyed wintering in Florida when she was able and also enjoyed crafts and crocheting. She also enjoyed working on family genealogy, spending many hours putting together albums of photos and family history for each one of her children. Her family was the most important and biggest part of her life. Ruth is survived by her children, Sylvia (Gordon) Rosinski, of Traverse City, Richard (Sylvia "Mim") McWatters, of Kalkaska, Virginia (Max) Bolser, of Lake City, Sharon (Louie) LaFranier, of Traverse City, and Donna Penland, of Graham, N.C. Also surviving are 20 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren, 16 great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, who passed away in 1970; a granddaughter, Tammy Smith; her son-in-law, Larry Penland; her great-grandsons, Aaron and Kevin Penland; along with two sisters and six brothers. Funeral services will take place at 3 p.m. Saturday, June 11, at Mt. Zion Family Worship Center in Traverse City, with Pastor Mike Wermuth officiating. Visitation will begin at 2 p.m. at the church. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery.The family has suggested that memorial contributions be directed to Mt. Zion Family Worship Center, 4950 Silver Pines Road, Traverse City, MI 49684.Please share your memories of Ruth with her family at her online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com . The family is being served by The Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.