Ruth Quartell

Ruth Quartell was a beautiful person to know and to love. Known for her genuine and good-natured personality, she treated each and every person she met with kindness. Ruth lived a driven life and held a strong passion for family. There is no doubt she will be dearly missed by her special friends and loved ones.

Her story began in 1944. WWII’s darkest day, D-Day in France struck news from around the world just two weeks after Ruth Charlotte’s arrival as the youngest child of Samuel and Mary (Millensiefer) Morel on May 19th in Owosso, Michigan. Born the sixth child and twelve years younger than the next youngest child, her birth was a sign of hope and promise during a unique time in our nation’s history.

Growing up on the family farm on Grand River Road in Owosso, Ruth learned the value of hard work at a young age. The farm offered plenty of chores including selling their harvest at the local farmer’s market. She and her siblings attended a small country schoolhouse in town and although she contracted Polio at the tender age of seven years old, she lived a memorable childhood. During her first year of high school, her parents moved to Florida where she attended Clearwater High School and then Zephyrhills High School. Ruth then returned to Michigan where she lived with her siblings as she finished her schooling at Corunna High School. Wurzburg's Department Store was where she got her first paycheck as well as her first taste of romance. She met Jack Quartell while working there as a clerk. Over time, they developed an interest in one another beyond friendship and made plans to marry. Trinity Baptist Church was the perfect setting for their evening candlelit ceremony on February 6, 1970.

The newlyweds built a beautiful life together through their deep commitment to the Lord and one another. Their first home was on Diamond Avenue before making their longtime home on Plainfield and 3 Mile Road NE. Together, they raised two wonderful sons, Kevin and Matthew. As a mom, she was strict, yet loving. Ruth thrived under an organized home and routine. She enjoyed keeping things tidy and everything had a place. She balanced the family calendar from school events to meals for the evening. Active and involved, she volunteered her time at the school when the boys were young. As a family, they enjoyed camping at PJ Hoffmaster State Park along Lake Michigan in Muskegon. Later, they purchased a cottage on Big Pine Lake and then another on Rainbow Lake near Trufant. The cottage life offered a sense of peace and solace as well as a gathering place for family reunions over the years. The family also visited her parents and brother in Florida and made stops at Disney! They instilled in their children the value of faith and family. Each and every day, suppers were accompanied by prayer and Bible reading. Bedtime was always accompanied by prayer together. Kevin was hospitalized in Cleveland, Ohio for nearly 7 years, receiving treatment for a genetic disease. During that time, Ruth spent most of the time with him in the hospital, until he received his transplant.

She and Jack lived a remarkable life together until his passing in 2016. It was evident to all who knew them as a couple that they put their faith above all else. Ruth’s deep abiding faith could be seen by her attention to the relationships she cherished in her life. She and Jack were longtime members of Bible Truth Hall. Their church family was important in their faith journey as well as their personal relationships. For many years, she was active in Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) and Women's Bible Studies at Calvary Church. Ruth made many lasting friendships over these years attending classes and sharing her love of the Lord. She regularly said her daily devotions and prayed that her grandchildren would come to know and trust in the Lord. A highlight of their many travels together was the time she and Jack visited Israel. They were in awe of the sacred spaces and the ability to visit the many places they had studied over the years. Her faith shaped her into an example of peace and goodness for all those touched by her life.

In addition to her faith and family, Ruth held many special pastimes. She loved a good party and enjoyed hosting holiday meals and gatherings. Being surrounded by loved ones satisfied her heart. She enjoyed decorating for each season and making sure that everyone felt special in her home. She also enjoyed crocheting, making doilies, quilting, and cross-stitching. Talented and trustworthy, Ruth was asked to make several bridal veils for friends and family, so she started her business, Bridal Veils by Ruth. Gardening was another passion that filled her days. She loved spending time weeding, splitting plants, cutting flowers, and picking vegetables. For many years, she made wonderful rhubarb jam right from her garden! She always acknowledged others’ birthdays or special events by sending cards. Ruth added her own sweet thoughts or words of wisdom and well wishes before sending them in the mail. And she loved to celebrate birthdays as well. Her best birthday present was her grandson, Alex, born on her birthday in 2007. Ruth adored all six grandchildren. She enjoyed making cookies and attending their special school, church, and sporting events and activities. She developed a special bond with her granddaughter, Kayla. She helped her learn to read and taught her many life skills. She cherished her roles as a wife, mother, and grandmother.

Ruth gracefully moved forward in Jack’s absence making time for her family and friends. She pushed herself to remain active and enjoyed getting out at least once a day to share conversations with others. Ruth’s loving presence will be deeply missed. She was blessed with living a life of simple pleasures. She leaves behind a rich collection of beautiful memories that will remain in the hearts of her friends and loved ones forevermore.

Ruth C. Quartell, age 79, of Grand Rapids, went to be with her Lord and Savior in the comfort of her home and in the company of her family on Tuesday, August 8, 2023. She was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Jack, in 2016; her parents, Samuel and Mary (Millensiefer) Morel; her brothers; Calven, Laverne, and James Morel; sisters, Elaine Pearson, and Verna Alberts. Ruth is survived by her two sons, Kevin and Matthew (Fabiola); 6 grandchildren: Eliana, Jonathan, Kayla, Anna, Alex, and Shawn; her sisters-in-law, Joyce Morel and Carol Chaney; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Ruth lived her life serving her Lord in all that she did. Visitation will take place at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Van Strien Creston Chapel, (1833 Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49505), on Friday, August 18, 2023, from 5-8 PM. The Funeral Service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, August 19, 2023, at Calvary Church, (707 E Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525), with an additional hour of visitation beginning at 10 AM. Interment to follow at Washington Park Memorial Gardens.