Ruth Harriet (Soule) Harris

Ruth Harriet (Soule) Harris, 93, of Bellevue, Michigan died peacefully on Monday, January 13, 2025, at Thornapple Manor in Hastings, after a short illness, with her family at her side. 

Ruth was born April 9, 1931, in Battle Creek, Michigan to Henry Mason and Mabel Frances (Sample) Soule. She grew up in the Lake Michigan lakeshore communities and graduated from Grand Haven High School. Ruth earned her Registered Nursing Degree from the former Edward W. Sparrow School of Nursing in Lansing, Michigan. She was employed as a Registered Nurse at Pawating Hospital in Niles, Michigan, then Lake County General Hospital in Waukegan, IL and lastly with the Calhoun County Health Department for six years. 

Ruth Harriet Soule was united in marriage to the love of her life, Donald Lawrence Harris, on November 8, 1952, in Lansing, Michigan. Ruth was preceded in death by Don, her husband 61 years, on December 7, 2013. Surviving are their five children, Dennis Harris, Michael Harris, Kevin Harris, Brian (Toni) Harris, Terrilyn (Marvin) Schneider; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a sister, Betty Hansen; a sister-in-law, Joan Soule; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and their families. In addition to her husband, Ruth was preceded in death by a daughter, Denise, a twin daughter of Dennis; a son, Jeffrey Harris; her parents; four brothers and eight sisters. 

She loved solving word puzzles. Ruth enjoyed knitting, crocheting, needlework and gardening. In her younger years she enjoyed bowling. She was always willing to pitch in and even when her eyesight failed, she could still snap the green beans. Ruth will be remembered as optimistic, encouraging, and caring.

Friends will be received 12:00 noon – 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 17, 2025, at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care. A funeral service to celebrate Ruth’s life will be held at the funeral home 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 17, 2025. Committal and interment will follow at Hicks Cemetery in Pennfield Township. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Salvation Army, 400 Capital Ave. NE, Battle Creek, MI 49017. Arrangements by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.