Ruth Clarabel Yerke

Ruth was born in Jay County, Indiana, July 5, 1909, to Edwin Walter and Lillian (Priest) Walter, and was the youngest of six children. She passed away March 9, 2011.

Ruth was an office manager for several local insurance agencies in the ’60s and ’70s. She was active in the life of the churches she attended, Colonial Village Baptist in Lansing and Weidman Baptist in Weidman, MI. At the time of her passing, Ruth was a member of Redeemer United Methodist in Dewitt.

Ruth was preceded in death by husbands, Otto Yabs and Clifford Yerke. She is survived by her son, Edwin Yabs of Dewitt and stepsons Gordon (Sandy) Yerke of Royal Oak, Allen (Julia) Yerke of Royal Oak and Russell Yerke.

The funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, March 14, 2011, at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel, with The Rev. Rodney J. Kalajainen officiating.  Interment will follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral service on Monday.

The family would like to thank the staff of Great Lakes Hospice for their care and compassion for Ruth. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Lansing City Rescue Mission, 602 E. Michigan Avenue, Lansing, MI 48912 or www.lcrm.org