Mrs. Ruth Ann Sherwood, aged 99, of Newaygo died Saturday, July 19, 2008 at the Newaygo Medical Care Facility near Fremont. Ruth was born in Chicago, Illinois on July 1, 1909 the daughter of Charlote Wilheminia Cecelea Grage and Leonard Sherwood.. She was the third child in a family of eight. Her father worked as a teamster.  Both parents were of German descent. Her mother was born in Germany and, with her family, came to the United States when she was six months old. When Ruth was thirteen the family moved to a farm in Indiana. She finished her schooling in the Porter County Schools. She married Carl Sherwood in Indiana in 1926. In 1931 they moved to Newaygo and have resided here since that time.  Carl worked for Consumers Power and later for the Newaygo Engineering Company, until he passed away in 1964.  Ruth worked for Robeys, the A & P Store, Feller Store and then later as a bookkeeper for Bakers Home Service until she retired.  

They had four children; Doris (deceased), Leonard (Barbara) of Newaygo, Allen (deceased), and Ruth of Florida.  She is also survived by 17 grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren & great-great-grandchildren and her daughter-in-law Betty Sherwood of Merritt.

Ruth was a leader for Girl Scouts and den mother for the Cub Scouts for a few years and secretary for the PTA. She was also a member of the Fremont Moose Lodge. She was also active in the church, Sunday School Superintendent and teacher for many years. Ruth was raised as a Lutheran. She started to attend the UCC when a neighbor began taking the children to Sunday School. Reverend Pinch was the Pastor at that time. She became a member of the Dorcas Circle, and now the Bluebirds. Her hobbies are knitting, crocheting, gardening, flowers, etc. She has been a member of this church for the past 40 years, starting down town and was a member of the Planning Committee for the new church. The church is a very important part of her life and she prays that it will grow and prosper.

Memorial services will be held 1:00 PM, Monday, August 18, 2008 at the Newaygo United Church of Christ with Pastor David Robertson officiating.  Interment will be in the Newaygo Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers for Memorials please consider the Newaygo United Church of Christ Endowment Fund C/O The Fremont Area Community Foundation.  Please sign the online guest book at www.mckinleyfuneral.com. The family is being served by the McKinley Funeral Home in Newaygo.