Obituary: Ruth Ann Donald, 79, of Free Soil

Ruth Donald

Ruth Ann Donald, 79, of Free Soil, passed peacefully Saturday morning, May 24, 2025, with her family by her side. She was born on June 17, 1945 in Howell, the daughter of the late John and Bessie (Kashich) Zarkovich. Ruth walked down the aisle at graduation with her high school sweetheart in 1963 and then, again they walked together to marry, on April 4, 1964 at the Church of the Nazarene, in Howell.

During her working career, Ruth was employed as a secretary at Howell Red Band Motors, a lab assistant at McPherson Medical Center in Howell, a waitress at various restaurants (Coral Gables in Manistee was one), and most recent, she was employed for 30 years at Memorial Medical center of West Michigan in Ludington, as a lab tech, until her retirement. She also became a certified phlebotomist. Ruth won many awards for her confidence and competence and years of services while working at Memorial Medical Center of Ludington.

Ruth crocheted afghans and sewed quilts for her family and friends throughout her life, winning Best of Show with one of her quilts at the local fair. She was an excellent cook, enjoyed golfing, and an avid fisherwoman who could spend hours just fishing. Ruth was a totally selfless, wife, mother, grandmother and sister, always putting her family before herself. She loved to travel short distances or long with her husband, to see the country. After retirement, Ruth and Jerry travelled and spent their winters in warmer climates to Arizona, Gulf Shores, Alabama and Zephyrhills, Florida, where they enjoyed their friends at Bahrs RV park.

Ruth is survived by her husband, Jerry J. Donald of Free Soil; her son and daughter in-law, Tom and Sabrina Donald of Scottville; her daughter and son in-law, Trisha and Edward Knizacky of Free Soil; her grandchildren: Thomas Donald of Free Soil, Jessica and Dan Sarkar of Las Vegas, Nev., Stephen Knizacky of Ludington, Kada (Jason) Steiger of Custer, Emily Knizacky (Levi Schwass) of Scottville, Frances Knizacky (Chase Rohrer) of Ludington, and Daniel Knizacky of Free Soil; nine great grandchildren; brothers Paul Zarkovich of Fayetteville, Ark., and Mark and Linda Zarkovich of DeWitt; sister, Cathy Zarkovich of Statesville, NC; sister in-law, Beverly Donald of Howell; brother in-law Roger and Phyllis Donald and sister in-law, Rita Young all of Howell; her special friends, Millie and Darrell Klein of Perry, Nancy Isham of Ludington, and Jenny and  Phil Gajeski of Free Soil; and her dog, Charlie; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her little brother Johnny Zarkovich and her brother in-law, Kenneth Donald.

A special thank you to heartland Hospice and her nurse Logan, nurse aide Christine for their pristine care and caring words, and her sister Cathy for staying by her side.

According to her wishes, cremation has taken place and private family burial will take place at Maple Grove Cemetery in Free Soil. A celebration of life will take place at a later date and time, to be announced.

The Herbert Funeral Home of Manistee is in charge of funeral arrangements.