ESCANABA - Ruth M. Stade, 98, Escanaba, passed away on Monday, June 18, 2012, at her home in Escanaba. She was born on June 10, 1914, in Kyoto, Japan, the daughter of the late Ernest and Charlotte (Shiels) Obee.
Together with her first husband, Wallace Smith, they owned and operated the Smith News Agency and she later ran the operation herself. Ruth enjoyed playing bridge and volunteering teaching literacy classes. She was also a lifetime member of the Elks Ladies Auxiliary and a member of the Red Hats and the GFWC Women's Club.
Ruth is survived by her two daughters, Veronica Stade and Susan Bergstrom; two granddaughters, Dana (Joe) Longpre' and Barbara (John) Calhoon; one great-grandson, Nathan Longpre'; one great-granddaughter on the way, Ruth Anne Calhoon; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her two husbands, two brothers, C.E. and John Obee; and two sisters, Olive Newton and Mary Treat.
Friends may call from 11 a.m. to noon on Thursday, June 21, 2012, at the Allo Coolman Funeral Home in Escanaba. A funeral to celebrate the life of Ruth Stade will be at noon on Thursday at the funeral home with Fr. Francis DeGroot officiating. Entombment will follow funeral services in the Gardens of Rest Mausoleum.
Please visit www.allofh.com to send online condolences to her family.
