Obituary for Ruth Elaine Bolthouse
Ruth Elaine (Kozicki) Bolthouse, of Benzonia, passed away on March 22, 2022, at The Maples in Frankfort. She was from Grand Haven and lived previously in Spring Lake.
Ruth was an artist in many mediums and known best for her pysanky. A naturalist, she loved gardening, canning, and mushroom hunting with her family. Traveling to bluegrass festivals and exploring the country with her husband, Roger, was one of her great joys. They became popular winter campground hosts down south after retirement. Ruth was known for her big heart and good humor. Their home was full of kids and life, lively card games, and the smells of home cooking.
Ruth was a great mom, and mother to many. She and Roger had a very special group of friends that stayed connected over the years, making wonderful memories for everyone. They pioneered the ARC and Special Olympics for the Tri-Cities area.
Ruth is preceded in death by her husband, Roger; daughter Gail Wierenga; and son Steven Bolthouse. Also, by her parents Walter and Otylia Kozicki, who owned an East side grocery store in Grand Haven known for their homemade Polish sausage, where Ruth worked as a girl after school. During the Depression, the Kozicki store extended large amounts of credit to many families. Hobo markings were on their store indicating a place for those down on their luck to get a free meal.
She is survived by four children – Catherine, Sandra, Jeffrey, and Daniel; eight grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren.
In remembrance, please think of Ruth with Roger, holding hands and smiling, tapping their feet to a lively bluegrass tune, under blue skies and gentle winds.
A double celebration of life will be held for them both this summer, date and time to be announced.
Please feel free to share a memory or photo with Ruth’s family at www.oakgrovefh.com. The family has entrusted funeral arrangements with Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Center of Manistee.
Ruth was an artist in many mediums and known best for her pysanky. A naturalist, she loved gardening, canning, and mushroom hunting with her family. Traveling to bluegrass festivals and exploring the country with her husband, Roger, was one of her great joys. They became popular winter campground hosts down south after retirement. Ruth was known for her big heart and good humor. Their home was full of kids and life, lively card games, and the smells of home cooking.
Ruth was a great mom, and mother to many. She and Roger had a very special group of friends that stayed connected over the years, making wonderful memories for everyone. They pioneered the ARC and Special Olympics for the Tri-Cities area.
Ruth is preceded in death by her husband, Roger; daughter Gail Wierenga; and son Steven Bolthouse. Also, by her parents Walter and Otylia Kozicki, who owned an East side grocery store in Grand Haven known for their homemade Polish sausage, where Ruth worked as a girl after school. During the Depression, the Kozicki store extended large amounts of credit to many families. Hobo markings were on their store indicating a place for those down on their luck to get a free meal.
She is survived by four children – Catherine, Sandra, Jeffrey, and Daniel; eight grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren.
In remembrance, please think of Ruth with Roger, holding hands and smiling, tapping their feet to a lively bluegrass tune, under blue skies and gentle winds.
A double celebration of life will be held for them both this summer, date and time to be announced.
Please feel free to share a memory or photo with Ruth’s family at www.oakgrovefh.com. The family has entrusted funeral arrangements with Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Center of Manistee.