Ruth Catherine Ward went home to the Lord on November 9, 2025, at age 92. Ruth was born in Nahma, Michigan, on August 9, 1933, to Rose (Moses) and Augusta Michaels. She grew up in Manistique, Michigan. On April 5, 1958, Ruth married James Edward Ward. She was a Sault Ste. Marie Tribe member of the Chippewa Indians. She proudly earned her GED in her early 70s. Until her retirement, Ruth worked at Northridge Healthcare in the Laundry Department. She was very active in AA and the Bible studies and retreats through Hope Church and later St. Peter the Fisherman. An international traveler, she toured Jerusalem, Italy, and Brazil. Ruth loved to celebrate her Native American heritage by dancing in pow wows and participating in sweats in Michigan. She was the matriarch of her family, and was happy to be a grandmother to and know 3 generations of her grandchildren.

Ruth is survived by her son Robert Munroe; grandchildren Robert, David, Laura, Joe, John, and Jimmy; as well as many great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren; cousins; nieces; nephews; other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband James, daughter Ruth Ann, son David, and her siblings.

Cremation has taken place at Harrigan Parkside Crematory. Relatives and friends may greet the family at Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, 628 N. Water St., Manitowoc, on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. until the time of the Funeral Service at 4:00 p.m. Following the Service, a luncheon will be held at Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center, located to the south of the funeral home. Burial of Ruth's urn will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery in Two Rivers on Monday, November 17, at 10:00 a.m.

The family extends special thanks to the staff of Heartland Hospice and Magnolia Meadows, as well as her great-grandson Kyle for his care of Ruth.