Evelyn "Ruth" Rees' Obituary
Evelyn "Ruth" Rees, age 94, of Algonac, passed away peacefully at her home on June 29, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on August 25, 1931, in Marine City, Michigan, Ruth was the cherished daughter of the late Samuel and Mary Varndell. On January 19, 1951, she married the love of her life, William "Bill" Rees, in Marine City. Together they built a life rooted in love, hard work, faith, and an unwavering devotion to family.
Ruth's strong work ethic was evident from an early age. She began working at Knight's Dime Store in Marine City when she was just 14 years old. At 18, she started her career at Chris-Craft Corporation, where she worked for 37 years until the company closed in 1986. She and her husband, Bill, also owned and operated the Shell Service Station in downtown Algonac from 1964 - 1973. Ruth later worked briefly at Altair before joining the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office, where she dedicated ten years of service before retiring in 1997 to devote herself to her greatest joy-spending time with her family and caring for her grandchildren.
Ruth was especially known for her incredible baking talent. She delighted in creating beautiful birthday and wedding cakes, lovingly making countless cakes for family and friends over the years. Whether celebrating life's milestones or simply gathering together, Ruth's cakes became a cherished part of countless memories. Her generosity, gentle spirit, and caring heart touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.
More than anything, Ruth treasured her family. She leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue through the generations she so dearly adored.
She is lovingly survived by her children, Jim (Lori) Rees, LeeAnn Newlin, Tina (Ernie) Rackley, and William (Jeannie) Rees II. She was a devoted grandmother to April (Dan) Byerly, Johnny (Dawn) Newlin, Jimmy (Amy Peters) Rees II, Jayne (Jay Carrigan) Thiel, Hannah (Kyle) DeGowske, Kassidy (Gerald Hoover) Rees, and William Rees, Buddy & Duke. She was the proud great-grandmother to Megan, Johnny, Mya, Harper, Brooklynn, Charlotte, and Dawson. Each of them brought immeasurable joy to her life.
In addition to her parents, Ruth was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William "Bill" Rees; her parents-in-law, Myrick and Bertha Rees; her brothers, Sid and Ken Varndell; her sister, Betty Tashijan; and her son-in-law, John Newlin.
Ruth's greatest accomplishment was the family she loved so deeply. Her kindness, strength, generosity, and unwavering love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished.
Funeral service 8:00 PM, with visitation from 4:00 to 8:00 PM, Wednesday July 8, 2026 in the Young Gilbert Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Algonac, MI.
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