Obituary of Ruth Batschke

Ruth Anderson Batschke, peacefully passed away on September 24, 2023. She was born October 1, 1928 in Bay City, Michigan to the late Ted V and Edna (Mosher) Anderson. At Bay City Central High School she met her future husband, Frank Batschke and they were married on June 4, 1949.  Throughout their 74 years of marriage they raised their family, worked and traveled together. 

During her life Ruth played the trumpet and french horn in high school, coached girls basketball, was the Girl Scout leader at Zion Lutheran, and was also president of the Zion Lutheran Ladies Guild. She was a life member of the YWCA and served on the finance committee for Camp Maqua. When Pat was in the T.L. Handy Band, Ruth was president of the Band Parents organization. Along with her husband, she attended every event her children were involved in and then continued as the grandchildren began participating in events, and even got to watch a great- grandson in his sport. 

Through the years, Frank & Ruth traveled to Europe, Mexico, Panama Canal, Bahamas, Alaska, St. Martyn, and many fishing trips to Drummond Island and Canada. Her retirement years were spent during the winter in Bonita Springs, Florida (Citrus Park) where she played slow pitch softball, achieving a hole in one golfing, and singing with the Belles of Harmony. Ruth and Frank also spent over 50 years at their Pinecrest Property in Lincoln, Michigan, along with their homes at Linwood Beach and Freeland, before settling into New Hope Bay. The family will be eternally thankful for the compassionate, loving care provided by the caregivers and staff at New Hope Bay and Cardinal Hospice. 

Survived by her husband, Frank; brother, Lloyd Anderson; children, Kaye (Arno) Williams, Patricia (Gail Pascoe) Hawk, Karl (Michelle), Kurt (Patty) and Paul (Ann); her grandchildren, who called her Oma, Dr. Russ (Ashley) Mayo, Dirk (Jess) Batschke, Jennifer (Stephen) Schuster, Britton Batschke, Kory Batschke, Cameron (Tingting Wu) Batschke, Joshua (Chelsea) Batschke, Hannah (Andrew) Rahn, Kaleb (Rachel Miller) Batschke, and Gabriel (Abbie Meier) Batschke; great-grandsons, Oliver Batschke, Jacob & Luke Schuster, George & Thomas Mayo, Roland Batschke, and Aiden Rahn. In addition, she is also survived by many beloved bonus grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Ruth was also predeceased by her sister, Ellen (Cliff) Jones; brother, Merle (Thelma) Anderson; niece, Nancy Anderson; and her in-laws, Frank and Ida Batschke.

A Celebration of Life will take place at noon on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at Zion Lutheran Church, 510 W. Ivy, Bay City. Her family will be present to receive visitors from 10:00 until the time of service. Officiating will be Pastor Phillip Baerwolf, with private interment at Heavenly Rest Cemetery, Kawkawlin, MI at a later date. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Memorial Contributions to Zion Lutheran Church or the charity of the donor’s choice. To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com  Arrangements made with the Cremation Society of Mid Michigan.