Ruth Ellen (Baumgardner) Appling

Early Friday March 23rd, at the young age of 90, Ruth Appling left us to join her husband and other family and friends, to rest In Heaven with her Lord. Ruth was born February 21, 1928 in Custar Ohio to Floyd and Helen (Aller) Baumgardner. She married John Appling on December 17, 1948 who proceeded her in death in 1997.   Ruth lived a long and full life never meeting a stranger, just people yet to become friends. Through the years Ruth and John had raised a family and traveled the country. After settling on a retirement home in Florida, they would spend summers in Michigan and winter in the warmer weather.

 Ruth always wanted to attend St Michaels for Sunday service to see her longtime friends and sing in the choir.  

Her final years at Wolf Creek were filled with socializing and bus trips and caring for others with love, kind words and prayers.

 Ruth celebrated her 90th birthday in February, with a large gathering of family and friends at Wolf Creek which brought her much joy, love and laughter.

Ruth's family extends their thanks, appreciation and love to all those around her that filled her life and allowed her into theirs.

She is survived by her children: Kathy Bella, Bonnie (Robert) Gustavson, Byron (Ann) Appling and Debbie (Mike Schrader) Welch. She is also survived by Grandchildren: Cindy (Ryan) Cumming, Julie (Mike) Ritter, Jeff (Holly) Bella, Karen (Brian) French, Carrie (Aaron) Mickey, Bruce (Gloria) Appling, Kevin (Brittany)

Welch, Ryan (Sarah) Welch and Great Children: Zach, Emily, Kendal, Abel, Neil, Bella, Faith, Grace, John, Karis, Brynn, Devri, Alex, Sienna, Cora, Brady, Jasah, Roman, Declan and Ruby. In addition to her husband she was also proceeded in death by her parents and by granddaughter Tammy Lynn Bella. 

Special thanks to all the Lutheran Village at Wolf Creek staff and Hospice nurses at Ebied Hospice.  

The family asks that in lieu of Flowers please consider contributions to St Michaels Lutheran Church or Ebied Hospice Residence. 

Please don't look at Ruth's passing with sadness, but remember her smile, her kind words and the love she gave so freely to all.

Visitation will be held at Reeb Funeral Home, Sylvania, OH. Monday, March 26, 2018 from 3:00 – 8:00 P.M. The funeral service will be held at 10:00 A.M. at St. Michael Lutheran Church, Temperance Road, Ottawa Lake, MI with visitation 1-hour prior.

Interment to follow at Whiteford Union Cemetery.  Online condolences to

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ruth Ellen (Baumgardner) Appling, please visit our floral store.