Ruth Reece Bergh of Holt, passed away April 18 at age 84. Ruth and her identical twin sister Janet were born on May 6, 1941, to Donald and Gertrude Reece in Midland, Michigan. Her school years were shaped by music and dance, along with helping family members who needed care. Summers spent at the family cottage on Otsego Lake in Gaylord was especially memorable. After graduating from Midland High School in 1959, she enrolled at Michigan State and earned a nursing degree. Ruth worked in the nursing field for several years, before marrying Dan Bergh of Oscoda on February 5, 1971. They enjoyed life together, raising four children, singing in community chorus, Sweet Adeline’s barbershop group, and being a part of local square dance and round dance clubs. Ruth loved to accompany the choirs Dan taught at Tawas Area Schools on her string bass. Eventually, Ruth returned to work in the nursing field with the Iosco County Health Department and then became administrator of Provincial House Nursing Home in Tawas City. Her work led her to become a Regional Administrator of several homes, and a role as a surveyor of homes for the State of Michigan. When Dan passed away in 1986, she stayed in the Oscoda area until her two youngest children graduated from high school and moved on to college.
Ruth eventually settled in the Lansing area. She greatly enjoyed coming back to MSU and was a faithful Spartan and Detroit Tigers fan. She was always on the lookout for a yarn shop that allowed her to knit hundreds of scarves, sweaters, socks, gloves, and more. Ruth also enjoyed traveling with her sister, Sue, annually to Stratford, Ontario and Jamaica. Ruth was very involved with music ministry at Holt United Methodist Church, participating in the Praise Band, Chancel Choir, and Handbell Choir; and was an avid fan of the church softball team. She enjoyed volunteering, especially at Sparrow Hospital, Potter Park Zoo, and Colt Elementary School.
Ruth loved people and enjoyed getting to know them through conversations. She was kind and giving of herself. Being with and around family gave her great joy.
Ruth was predeceased by her parents, Donald Hyde and Gertrude Francis Reece, husband Daniel Bergh, sister Janet Silvester, and child Beckett Daniel Gimm-Bergh. She is survived by sister Susan Freel, children Erik (Kathy) Bergh, Kristine (Michael) Ounan, DiAnne (Steve) Warfield, and Dani Gimm-Bergh; grandchildren Matt (Crystal) Ounan, Christopher (Marisa) Bergh, Mark Bergh, Lauren Bergh, Anna Warfield, Paul Warfield, Sam Warfield, Phoebe Warfield, Adrian Gimm-Bergh, Jessie Gimm-Bergh, and Uriah Gimm-Bergh; and great grandchildren Spencer Bergh, Ellison Bergh, Austin Ounan, and Jackson Ounan.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Holt United Methodist Church, 2321 Aurelius Road. Donations can be made to Holt United Methodist Church.
Pat Mick
April 26, 2026 at 12:56 pmRuth always had a kind word and was quick to give hugs for everyone in need. She was a friend and someone who was most talented in so many ways. She will be remembered always.
Clay Reece
April 26, 2026 at 5:05 pmOne of my biggest regrets is not seeing Aunt Ruth and her daughters enough. Even though she is not my aunt….i called her my aunt because she was so kind and loving to me and my family.
Love u Aunt Ruth. I’ll always remember you and keep u in my heart and thoughts
Patti Schertzing
April 26, 2026 at 5:44 pmI got to know Ruth while we volunteered at Sparrow Hospital and served on the board together for a number of years. She was quite a woman and I know she made a large, very positive impact on this world in all that she did. Rest in peace, my friend!
Jan Baker
April 26, 2026 at 10:29 pmWe were saddened to read this . Our prayers are with all of you .
Jan and Dave Baker
Kari DeRosa
April 29, 2026 at 8:53 pmI have many pairs of socks knitted by Ruth. She always greeted you with a smile & hug. Fortunately I visited her many times over these past years always gave me a hug and a kiss goodbye. I visited her the Wednesday before she passed. Even though she was in bed not able to talk, she looked at me smiled and I bent down able to kiss HER goodbye. God will be able to receive those hugs now. You will be missed my friend
Linda Beehler ?
May 1, 2026 at 5:50 amRuth, you are missed already. I loved trying to catch you, as you walked past my office on Aurelius Rd, to get one of your hugs. Your music was so loved by all of us at Holt UMC. Our loss is Heaven’s gain!
Love and prayers to the family.