Obituary of Winifred Ruth Milford

Winifred Ruth Milford, of Midland, passed at her home on August 21st, at peace and with her children by her side. She was born on August 20, 1930, to Wesley and Helen Hazle, at their farmhouse in Shepardsville, Michigan. She was a 4H state champion her senior year, and, no matter where she lived or what she did, she remained a farm girl in spirit: cheerful, outdoorsy, and can-do. Ruth, as she was known to all, graduated from the Bronson Institute of Nursing in 1953. As a young R.N. she worked the polio wards. In 1955 she married William Dean Milford; their joyful union lasted until his death in 1984. Although she soon devoted herself to home and family, she kept her nursing license active: it came in handy during her many stints as a volunteer with the Red Cross, at nursing homes, with hospice organizations, and at church. Her family moved often, to different homes in Lansing and greater Detroit, to Ohio, to New Jersey, and to Tennessee, but she made each house special. Her children, with their sandwiches of homemade bread, were the envy of their schoolmates. In addition to her baking, she loved to garden and knit. She was a devoted amateur painter. Ruth Milford was a long-time summer resident of Bellaire, Michigan. Her cottage on Lake Bellaire was and is the center of her family's shared life. She is survived by all of her children: Karen (Jim) Sheppard of Greenville, Michigan; Douglas Milford of Wheaton, Illinois; Debbie (Ralph) Moore of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina; Susie (Mark) Hannis of Livonia, Michigan; and Timothy Milford (and Liza Velazquez) of Brooklyn, New York. Also surviving are thirteen grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, siblings: Richard Hazle, of Perrysburg, Ohio; George Hazle, of St. Johns, Michigan, Charles (Diane) Hazle, of St. Johns, and Elaine (Don) Rawlings, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Another beloved sister, Hilda Sheldon, predeceased her. A memorial service will be held at Midland's Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1310 Ashman Street, Midland, Michigan 48640 on September 19th, at 11:00 A.M.. In lieu of flowers, donations to Deacon's Outreach at Memorial Presbyterian -- or to your favorite charity -- would be much appreciated. To sign online guestbook visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com. IF USING THE SYMPATHY STORE PLEASE SEND SYMPATHY ITEMS TO THE FAMILYS HOME OR TO THE CHURCH ON SEPTEMBER 19TH FOR THE SERVICE