​Ruth (Wells) Winkler passed away peacefully on June 25, 2023 at the age of 105. She was born to Carl & Anna Wells on October 16, 1917, in Highmore, South Dakota. She grew up in Moose Lake, Minnesota, and in 1939 received her nursing certificate from St. Luke's Nursing School in Duluth. In 1942, Ruth married Elmer Winkler. They settled in Detroit after Elmer got out of the Army and started their family with two children, Susan and Paul.
​Ruth had a very successful nursing career bringing about many changes in the mother/baby unit at Hutzel Women's Hospital in Detroit. She also created the "Granny" role there helping mother's nurse their babies. Son, Paul & his wife, Carol, made her a real Granny when their five children were born: Jeffrey, Jill, Nicholas, Matthew and Julie. She went on to have the honor of becoming a Great Granny to Jacob & Benjamin, Charlie & Hailey, and twins Logan and Connor.
She was a dedicated volunteer at Greenfield Presbyterian Church in Berkley and also at The Presbyterian Church in Traverse City. Even in death, she will continue to volunteer as she has donated her body to Michigan State University Medical School. Going on birding field trips and feeding the birds was also dear to her heart. She had many bird feeders and loved watching them from her apartment window.
​Ruth's daughter, Susan and son-in-law, Bob Goodin reside in Carlton, Minnesota.
​A memorial service for Ruth will be held on August 6, 2023 at 2PM at The Presbyterian Church, 701 Westminster Road, Traverse City. A luncheon will follow the service at the church.
​In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the family for Ruth's nature charities.