F. Ruth Torres

Ruth (Johnson) Torres Age 89, Of Battle Creek, Michigan, Passed away on Thursday, January 26, 2017, at Bronson Battle Creek. She was born on July 22, 1927, in Manistee County, Michigan, to Perry and Gladys (Prowant) Johnson. Ruth moved to Battle Creek in 1936, graduated from Lakeview High School, and attended Kellogg Community College (KCC). She graduated from Wright’s Beauty Academy in 1947 and was a hair stylist for 43 years, retiring in 1990. Ruth was married to Carl Torres from November 24, 1947 until his death in 2001, and was the mother of three children. Fostering family togetherness was Ruth’s mission in life. She was 15 to 20 years older than her siblings, but she did not lose touch with them when she married. She took turns having each of them spend the weekend with her and also took them on family outings and vacations, which had a great impact on their lives. Ruth was an excellent cook, and she loved to entertain. She believed that every holiday should be celebrated with food and family. She doted on her children, nieces, nephews and grandchildren. When they were young, she would make a big pot of chili, homemade soup, or sloppy Joes with all the fixings and invite everyone over to design Valentines, dye Easter eggs, or decorate Christmas cookies. The bigger the mess, the more she enjoyed it! For the summer holidays there were cookouts in the backyard, and as many as 30 people would converge on her home for Thanksgiving. She did not limit herself to holidays, however. In the fall, she would take a carload of children to Hillcrest Orchard to pick apples and feast on cider and donuts. In the summer, they would pick strawberries. She was always creating unforgettable memories. Ruth was a neighborhood organizer and an active participant in the community. She was a member of the National Hairdresser and Cosmetology Association, the DAV #12 Women’s Organization, and Chapel Hill United Methodist Church. She served as an officer and held many leadership positions with the Battle Creek Hairdressers’ Association, and she volunteered for the American Cancer Society, the hospital auxiliary, and the Salvation Army’s soup kitchen. Studying history fascinated Ruth, especially family history. Learning was one of her passions. She liked to read and enrolled in continuing education classes through KCC and horticulture classes at Leila Arboretum. She loved gardening. For many years she had a vegetable garden and was always rearranging or adding to her home landscape. She enjoyed traveling, although she didn’t get to travel as much as she would have liked. In her 70’s, she signed up for computer classes at Willard Library saying, “You’ve got to keep up with the world or you’ll be left behind!” It was a good decision, because she spent many enjoyable years keeping in touch with friends and family via email and Facebook. Ruth was a very social, outgoing person who possessed an extremely open-hearted spirit. She was a positive influence in many people’s lives. Whether through her words or by her example, she encouraged people to experience life to the fullest, to have a positive outlook and a strong work ethic, to be industrious and ambitious, to always keep learning, and to appreciate and love their family most of all. She was the true matriarch of her family, and she made sure everyone knew they were loved and that she was proud of them. Ruth had a strong faith in God and practiced her faith daily. During her lifetime, she faced many traumatic, life-altering events…perhaps more than her share. There is no doubt that she suffered, but she always faced her trials with courage, strength, grace, and dignity. In doing so, she became a role model for us all. She was an incredibly wonderful person whose impact on our lives will never be forgotten. She will be forever loved and deeply missed.  Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Torres; a son, Danny Torres; and granddaughter, Debora (Mc Leod) Boratto. She is survived by a daughter, Julia (Chuck) Baker of Battle Creek; a son, David (Sue Anne) Torres of Denver, Colorado; a sister, Carol (Tom) Cotter of Battle Creek; and a brother, Bob (Brenda) Johnson of Battle Creek. Also surviving are three grandchildren: Elizabeth (Tim) Mc Lugage, Matthew (Alena) Torres, and Amy Buckner; six great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, six nephews, and five nieces, all of whom were deeply loved by Ruth.  Visitation will be Thursday from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Richard A. Henry Funeral Home, with funeral services at 11:30 AM on Friday, February 3, 2017, at the funeral home. Graveside services will be held at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Humane Society of South Central Michigan or Chapel Hill United Methodist Church. With great appreciation, the family would like to offer their thanks to the doctors, nurses and third floor staff at Bronson Battle Creek. www.henryfuneralhome.org