Judith Babbitt Ruetz, 81, of North Fifth Street, Niles died at 1:15 p.m. Friday, March 12, 2010 at her home following an illness.

She was born Nov. 27, 1928 in Niles to John and Fay (Smith) Babbitt and has lived in Niles all her life. She graduated from Niles High School  and attended the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor).

Judith was an active patron of the Niles District Library, reading a wide variety of subjects. She also enjoyed and practiced many of the arts of homemaking, including gardening, sewing, cooking, upholstery, canning and other crafts.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Fay Babbitt.

Surviving family includes her daughters, Nicola Babbitt Ruetz and Tobye (Dallas) Babbitt Merrill, both of Niles and a granddaughter, Tya Babbitt Penton of Charleston, S.C.

Her family wishes to publicly express their deepest gratitude to Judith’s loving caregivers, Sara, Gabriela, Juan, Victor and Yolanda.

The family of Judith Babbitt Ruetz is gathering privately at the graveside at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles. They invite relatives and friends to an open house at Judith’s home to celebrate her life from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 18, 2010.

Contributions in memory of Judith may be made to the Niles District Library or to an animal humane organization of the donor’s choice.

Arrangements were made at Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles.