Ruth Elizabeth (Smedberg) Hemmer, of Custer, daughter of Hjalmar and Gertrude (Connelly) Smedberg was born April 27, 1917 at home in Custer, Michigan. Ruth passed away Tuesday, November 21, 2012. Ruth graduated from Custer High School with honors with the class of 1933 at the age of 16. She attended Mason County Normal and received a teaching degree. After teaching for 5 years, she married Arthur J. Hemmer. Ruth and Arthur lived in Custer, Michigan almost their entire lives. Arthur was co-owner of H. Smedberg & Sons Hardware. Ruth was employed as Secretary and Bookkeeper of Mason County Eastern Schools. Preceding Ruth in death were her husband, Arthur J. Hemmer and her son, William Arthur Hemmer; also, her parents, brother and sister-in-law, Leonard and Vivian Smedberg. Surviving are two daughters, Rita (Wayne) Brown of Ada, Michigan and Mary (Joe) Reinartz of Plainwell, Michigan; seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren and one on the way; sister, Mildred and her husband, Kenneth Benner of Medina, Ohio; several nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews and great-great-nieces and nephews. Sincere thanks to Joan Towns, niece and god-daughter of Ruth for all her constant support and those who cared for her at Sentinel Pointe, Cascade and Carveth Village, Middleville, Michigan in her final years. Ruth was a devoted wife, mother, excellent cook and homemaker. She spent time in many church groups such as the Catholic Daughters, working on chicken dinners and mostly playing the organ at St. Mary’s Church in Custer. Upon retirement Ruth and Art purchased a home in Ludington, Michigan. They attended St. Simon’s Catholic Church. The major part of their retirement was spent eating out, playing cards with their friends and spending more time with her family. She enjoyed being closer to her family. First, of course in Ruth and Art’s hearts were their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The children brought much joy to their lives. Rosary will be recited Friday at 3:30 PM. Friends and family may visit with the family at the O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd. SE, Grand Rapids from 4-7 PM Friday and Saturday one hour prior to the service at church. The Celebration of Life Mass will be at 11:00 AM at St. Simon’s Catholic Church, 702 East Bryant Rd. Ludington, Rev Wayne B. Wheeler Jr., presiding. Interment immediately following at Riverside Cemetery in Custer, Michigan. Memorial contributions may be made to Barry Community Hospice, 450 Meadow Run Dr. #200, Hastings, Michigan 49058-9054
