Ruth N. Updike died from natural causes in her home on Friday, February 23, 2024. She was 95 years and 10 months old.
Ruth was born into a very loving family in Troy, New York. The middle child and only daughter of Earl and Alida (Miller) Ives, she graduated from Troy High School in 1946 and Union University School of Nursing in 1951 with an RN, B.S. in Nursing. She was commissioned as an officer in the US Air Force in 1952 where she served as a nurse and met her devoted husband Charles “Chuck” Updike, who preceded her in death by seven years.
Chuck and Ruth were married in 1954 and blessed with four children. They raised their family while Chuck continued to serve, and after he retired from the military to Oscoda, Michigan in 1967. Ruth held several jobs outside the home including Oscoda Area School bus driver for four and a half years, and nurse at Iosco County Medical Care Facility in Tawas City, Michigan for fifteen years where she retired as Director of Nursing.
Ruth supported Chuck in his many Masonic organizations and was herself active in the Order of Eastern Stars and Amaranth. She was a member of the Oscoda United Methodist Church for many years and actively raised her children with her faith and devotion to God.
She is survived by her four adoring children: Norma MacDougall of Fort Worth, Texas; Charles “Chip” Updike Jr., of Midland, Michigan; Hoyt Updike of Oscoda, Michigan; and Janmarie (Gary) Gregorich of Box Elder, South Dakota; four grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and her younger brother Robert Ives of Huntsville, Alabama.
The family is planning a private interment of ashes ceremony this summer. Condolences may be offered online at www.bureshfuneralhomes.com.
