Ruth E. Olmstead

Ruth E. Olmstead, 84, of Galien, passed away on Tuesday, August 3, 2021 at Spectrum Health Lakeland, St. Joseph. A celebration of life service will be held at 11 am on Saturday, August 7, 2021, at Community of Christ Church, 110 S. Cleveland Rd., Galien, MI. Burial will follow in Galien Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4-7 pm on Friday, August 6, at Swem Chapel, 301 W. Front St., Buchanan and one hour before the service, from 10-11 at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Community of Christ Church. Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at www.swemchapel.com. Ruth was born on September 27, 1936, to Jacob and Mary (Rees) Reitz in Baroda, MI. She graduated from Galien High School in 1954. On October 24, 1954, she married Kevin E. Olmstead. Ruth took care of her family as a homemaker and bookkeeper for their various businesses in Galien while their children were in school. She then worked for AT&T for over 21 years, retiring in 1997. Ruth was in various activities through the years, including; being a cub scout leader, traveling with her family, riding snowmobiles and motorcycles, camping, driving King Midget cars, sewing and ceramics. She was a lifetime member at Community of Christ Church in Galien, where she was an active volunteer and was also a member of the Galien Historical Society. Ruth was also an avid gardener and caner. In 1984, she proudly held the Olympic Torch when it went through Galien. Ruth was a hard worker with super human strength for her 5-foot frame. She was also a great task-master who always had a job for you to do. Most of all, she cherished time spent with her family. Ruth is survived by her children, Scott (Vicki) Olmstead of Geneva, IL, Michael Olmstead of Buchanan, MI, and Rebecca (Gary) Smith of Alexandria, OH; six grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, one great-great-granddaughter and siblings, Joann (Don) Warren, Marilee (Al) Trump and Loretta Jeschke. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jacob and Mary Reitz; husband of nearly 60 years, Kevin Olmstead; brother, David (Judy) Reitz and great-grandson, Silas Rondomanski.