Ishpeming - Ruth "Stubby" (St. Onge) Maki, long-time Ishpeming resident, passed away at the age of 95 on January 23, 2015 at the Eastwood Nursing Center in Negaunee where she had resided the past three years. Ruth was born on Dec. 30, 1919 in North Lake to Rosalie and Frank St. Onge. She married John E. Maki in Feb. of 1939 and had been married for 61 years when he passed away in June of 2000.

In high school, Ruth was nicknamed "Flash" because of her expertise and speed in pin ball. She was the captain of the team and became the high school's first girls' basketball captain when that sport was introduced into the Ishpeming High School.

As a child she picked blueberries along Lake Superior to sell to Cohodas Brothers Produce and continued picking until the age of 91. She and John picked so many every year that they gave quarts of blueberries away. Other hobbies included knitting, bowling, and baking. Her family is sure that she baked every blueberry cake, muffin, and dessert imaginable.

Ruth belonged to a knitting club for many years and knitted many baby clothes, sweaters, slippers, and washcloths. She belonged to two bowling leagues and the Women's Benefit Association. For several years she worked at Clayt's 41 Club as the "salad girl." Stub and John spent many weekends camping and fishing with his brothers and sisters-in-law at Witz's Marina in Skanee.

One of her great joys in life was sharing coffee & bakery 5 days a week with her special friends, Eva Hoiem and Virginia Anderson. They were together every weekday morning for over 50 years! Both of these ladies preceded Ruth in death and she missed them terribly.

Her grandchildren were the most joyous part of her life. She loved them dearly and enjoyed their visits and phone calls as they got older. They all had a special bond with her and John.
Survivors include her two daughters: Beverly (Ray) Hjelt of Grand Rapids, MI and Carole Jean (Bruce) Bartanen of Oconto, WI; grandchildren: Aleen (Mike) Rose of Hudsonville, MI, Jason (Jackie) Bartanen of DePere, WI, Janene Bartanen of DePere, WI, and Elliot Hjelt of Grand Rapids, MI; and six great grandchildren: Aubrey, Brianna, Karli, and Scott Rose and Adalynne and Aidryk Bartanen.

She is also survived by her brother Cliff (Ingrid) St. Onge of Elk Grove Village, IL and sisters Elaine Moyle of Superior, WI and May Kamin of Bradenton, FL along with many nieces and nephews. Other survivors include her special friends, Jim & Joan Nelson, whose help allowed Ruth to stay in her own home until the age of 92 as well as her extended family, the Bartanens.

Besides John and her parents she was preceded in death by three sisters Clara Ingram, Dorothy St. Onge, and Rose Marie Karbum as well as a brother, Earl.

A memorial service will be held at Bethel Lutheran Church in Ishpeming on Sat., May 2. Visitation with friends and family will be at 11:30-1:00 with the service beginning at 1:00. Pastor Lauri Maki, who was a special person in Ruth's life, will officiate.

The family has so many people to thank beginning with the staff at Eastwood. We knew she was being taken care of so well by all of you. A special thanks to Cookie (LaVerne St. Onge) Krug for all the cards and letters sent, phone calls made, and visits to her Auntie Ruth. No one could have shown her more love in these last few years.

And finally—a big thank you to Charlie and Merry Bartanen, Steve and Lynn Bartanen, and Richard and Robin Bartanen who were always there when she needed anything. You included her in all of your family activities and helped her and us whenever asked. All of these people were such a blessing to her.

Memorials may be directed to the Bethel Lutheran Church memorial fund, in Ruth's memory.

Ruth's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.

The funeral service recording, when it becomes available, can be found here .