Big Rapids – Ruth E. (Lutjens) McCarty, 76, of Big Rapids, passed away Friday, February 6, 2009, at Altercare of Big Rapids.
 
She was born January 19, 1933, in her family home in Green Township, the daughter of Parley and Della (Tanner) Ward, and lived in the area her entire life. 
 
For many years, Ruth worked for Wolverine World Wide, both in Reed City and Big Rapids.  She was formerly a member of the American Legion Post #98 of Big Rapids.
 
Ruth was preceded in death by her husband William B. Lutjens in 1998, and her husband Ira M. McCarty in 2005.  Surviving are 2 sons, Raymond (Eriko) Ryan of Sanford, William “Bird” (Jodie) Lutjens of Reed City; 2 daughters, Roma Swiger Metcalf of Fenton, Sabrina Wimmer of Paris; 11 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; a sister Bonnie Marvel of Hersey; 2 sisters-in-law, Loretta Ward of Paris, Ruth Lutjens of Big Rapids; and many nieces and nephews.  She was also preceded in death by her son Anthony in 1979, her son-in-law Nile Metcalf in 2008, 5 brothers, Gailen, Jack, Elmer, Avery, and Bernard Ward, and an infant sister Leona Ward.
 
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 10, 2009, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, with David Waldron officiating.  Burial will be in the Highland View Cemetery. Memorial contributions for the Activities Department at Altercare may be left at the funeral home, where Ruth’s family will greet friends on Monday, February 9, from 4-7 p.m., and prior to services on Tuesday.   

Tags: Obituaries //