Ruth Ann Moszyk

Ruth Ann Moszyk, age 80, passed away peacefully Monday, February 21, 2022 at The Villa in West Branch. Ruth was a gift from God and will truly be missed by her family and countless number of friends both in Michigan and Florida. She was born August 24, 1941, to Stanley (Cy) and Irene (Janasik) Smigiel.

Ruth made friends with people instantly and was very gracious to everyone she met. She was always concerned with making others happy—she was a kindred spirit. Ruth had a fun-loving sense of humor; she was never afraid to let her guard down at the risk of making someone smile or laugh.

Ruth grew up in Bay City, Michigan, your typical “Soud End” girl, both family and faith were especially important to her. As an alumna of St. Stanislaus, she was involved in her high school’s class reunion. She also actively participated in the church, both in the Rosary Society as well as supporting the catholic schools. She started her working career at Lufkin Rule and retired from Bay City Milling in accounts payable.

Ruth was with a group of friends at a drive-in theater when they pulled up next to a pair of guys in a convertible. In that moment, she met and fell in love with her future husband, Nick. They were happily married for 61 years. Ruth and Nick had two children together, Mark and Ann. Family was especially important to her. She made certain everyone sat down for a meal every day, always putting her family’s needs first. To ensure there were no leftovers and that no one left the table hungry, she would say “eat it all up to make sure it doesn’t rain tomorrow.”

In the 1980’s Ruth and Nick worked together to construct their eventual retirement log cabin in Gladwin, Michigan. She jumped right in, helping to peel the logs and of course going through probably dozens of rolls of film, taking photos of the process constantly – photography was her big passion. As Nick would say “Ruth, you need a water-cooled camera,” living up to her nickname as mini-Minolta.

Both Ruth and Nick were blessed with four grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Ruth adored her grandchildren and made every effort to attend their many events. Her personality came through when she immersed herself in their activities, whether painting her face during their birthday parties or participating in their games.

During the winter months Ruth and Nick wintered in Florida, first visiting Ruth’s parents, then eventually buying their own home. They had company constantly. Ruth would always say there was room for everyone, she always made her family and friends felt comfortable.

Ruth is survived by her husband, Nicholas and their children Mark (Elaine) Moszyk of Pinconning, MI, and Ann (Mitchell) Machelski of Traverse City, MI. Their grandchildren: Jodi (Jeremy) Ott, Christian (Nicole) Machelski, Amelia (Jordan) Svec, Andrew Machelski and great grandchildren: Oliva Ott, Lauren Ott, Landon Ott and Malachi Svec. Also surviving is her sister Janet Kanicki of Bay City, MI. Preceded in death by her parents, her brother Robert (Bob) Smigiel, great granddaughter Hannah Ott, and brother in law Walt Kanicki.

There will be a Celebration of Life Mass at St. Stanislaus Church in Bay City, Michigan on Thursday, August 4, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. A rosary will be said at 9:15 a.m.

Nick is eternally grateful for all the help from the staff of The Villa in West Branch who made every attempt to ease her suffering through Parkinson’s disease. If you wish to make a gift in Ruth’s memory, you may donate to American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) at https://www.apdaparkinson.org.

Arrangements were handled by Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch.