Ruth Marie Borlik

Ruth Marie (Diederich) Borlik, 88, of St. Joseph, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, September 23, 2021. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, September 30, 2021 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 220 Church Street, St. Joseph with Fr. John Fleckenstein presiding. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph. Friends may visit with the family at Starks and Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph, on Wednesday, September 29, 2021 from 4:00P.M. to 6:00 P.M. with Liturgical Prayers recited at 6:00 P.M. by Deacon Ed Nickels. Memorial donations may be made to Lake Michigan Catholic Schools, 915 Pleasant Street, St. Joseph (www.lmclakers.org) or a charity of donor’s choice. Those wishing to sign Ruth’s guest book may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Ruth was born on January 26, 1933 in St. Joseph, one of nine children born to John and Mary (Degan) Diederich. Upon graduating from St. Joseph Catholic High School, Ruth attended St. Margaret Hospital School of Nursing where she obtained her degree in Nursing. During her professional career, she worked as a Registered Nurse at Memorial Hospital in St. Joseph, St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Rapids, and then retired after 19 years of service at Lakeland Continuing Care Center. Ruth remained interested in the medical field and volunteered at Caretel and Child and Family Services. On August 20, 1960, Ruth was united in marriage to Harold Borlik at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Together they enjoyed nearly sixty years of marriage while raising their family of five children. Her nurturing spirit was most evident in the way she cared for her children and grandchildren. Her loving nature was felt by all who knew her. Each winter, Harold and Ruth spent time in Clearwater Beach, FL, where they enjoyed the warm weather and time with family and friends. Ruth’s interests included reading, Sudoku, car rides and sporting events. As a life-long Cub fan, she was excited to see the Cubs win the World Series. But what Ruth cherished the most was her time with loved ones. She treasured time spent at ball games, plays, holiday gatherings, and any other family get-togethers. We take comfort in knowing that Ruth is reunited with Harold! She is survived by her children, Mary Beth Carter, Laura Broccolo, Ann Marie Goodell, John (Barbara) Borlik and Jane Borlik; grandchildren, Matthew and Lauren Goodell and Jack and Luke Borlik; her loving sister Mary “Dee” Kennedy. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Don, Joe, Ray, Jack, Syl, and Bob; sister Dorothy Caton and son-in-law, Michael E. Carter.