Dec. 1, 1932 — June 27, 2014

Ruth Marie Ampey, 81, of Clovis, New Mexico, formerly of Cassopolis, left this world on Friday, June 27, 2014.

Ruth was born Dec. 1, 1932, in Chicago, Illinois to George Wilks Sayers and Bertha Marie Mears. She overcame extreme poverty and a challenging childhood to become the kind, generous and loving that person that all knew her to be. Ruth went on in life to marry Clarence John Ampey on Dec. 17, 1957.

Ruth gave life and love to her seven children, Diana Rettig of Clovis, New Mexico, Bonnie (Chris) Reed of Middleburg, Florida, Ronald (Rosie) Ampey of Cassopolis, Karen (Gary) Van Kuren of Clovis, New Mexico, Martha (Roger) Kemp of Decatur, Michigan, Dolores “Dee” (Jon) Hammons of Clovis, New Mexico, Sharon (Michael) Ampey-Phillips of Clovis, New Mexico; who in turn gave her 14 grandchildren and 12 and two-thirds great-grandchildren; all of whom live on to tell the stories of her life. She also has a very dearly loved brother, Norman Howard, Jr. and sister-in-law, Anne of Richmond, Minnesota. She also leaves many nieces and nephews that have all known her love.

Ruth was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 54 years, Clarence John Ampey; her parents; her sister, Virginia Holiday; and her niece Melody Mae Wiedo.

Ruth enjoyed her family most of all. She also found great joy in spending time with her friends and attending Friendship Senior Center of Clovis, New Mexico. She will be remembered most for her ability to accept whatever came her way and was always thankful for the little things. Ruth tried to make this world a nicer place to be. In her passing, Ruth has asked for you to do the same by contributing to the children’s charity of your choice.

Family and friends will gather Wednesday, July 2, 2014, from 1 p.m. until time of service at 2 p.m. in Calvin Community Chapel, 18770 Mt. Zion Street, Cassopolis. Ruth will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband in Calvin Community Cemetery in Calvin Township.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.