Ruth Carol Stickney

Ruth Carol (Gonder) Stickney, 79, of New Buffalo, MI, formerly of Interlochen, MI, passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 16, 2017 in St. Joseph, MI. Arrangements have been entrusted to Sommerfeld Chapel, 15 N. Barton St., New Buffalo, MI.   Visitation will be from 1:00pm-2:00p.m. on Monday, January 23, 2017 at Lighthouse Village Church of God, 18459 W. US 12, New Buffalo, MI. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00pm Monday, also at the church, with Pastor Daniel Gonder, Ruth’s nephew, officiating. Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery, New Buffalo, MI. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking loved ones to make a donation in Ruth’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association, 564 S. Main St., Suite 200, Ann Arbor, MI 49104. Friends wishing to leave the family a message of condolence may do so at www.sommerfeldchapel.com.   Ruth was born in Interlochen, Michigan to the late Frank and Emma (Schroeter) Gonder on December 25, 1937. She went to school in Traverse City, Michigan.  She married Robert Leon Stickney on January 19, 1957 in Bendon, MI. After honeymooning in Tucson, Arizona, she and her husband Robert settled in New Buffalo, MI.  Ruth was a dedicated homemaker, and enjoyed nothing more than taking care of her family and loved ones. She loved to entertain and is fondly remembered for her gracious hospitality. She enjoyed spending the winters in Florida, where they had a home.   Ruth is survived by her husband, Robert Stickney, daughters Karin (David) Talas and Linda Hokanson, her son Keith Stickney, her sister Eleanor McArthur, granddaughters Rachelle (Willie) Hicks, Lauren and Katie Hokanson, Corissa and Emma Talasintewa and three great grandchildren.   Ruth is preceded in death by her son, Kevin Lee Stickney, Specialist 4 US Army, brothers Richard (Mary) Gonder, Frank (Shirley) Gonder, and her sister Doris (Jack) Hoxie.