Ruth M. Saratore / July 13, 1921-Oct. 1, 2009

Published 10:11 am Monday, October 5, 2009

Ruth M. Saratore, 88, of Mobile Boulevard, Niles, died Thursday, Oct. 1, 2009, at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, Ind., following an automobile accident.

She was born July 13, 1921, in Montgomery, Mich., to Earl and Hazel (Gray) Blair.
Ruth had lived in Niles since 1962, coming from Benton Harbor, and was formerly employed at Old Kent Bank in Niles.

Ruth was a member of Granger Community Church, and enjoyed shopping and spending time with her grandchildren.

She was a “Rosie the Riveter” during the war.

Ruth married James Saratore on June 24, 1967, in St. Joseph.

James preceded her in death on May 9, 1997.

Also preceding her in death was one sister, Marian Durrant, and a brother, Marlin “Buster” Blair.

Survivors include: daughter Linda Powell of Pacheca, Calif., son Steve Lokker of Madison, Wis., daughter Jackie Lynn (Larry Sparing) Bella of South Bend, Ind., grandchildren Eric Powell, Christopher Lokker, Scott Lokker and Jeni Born and seven great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. today, Oct. 5, at Halbritter Funeral Home with Dr. Robert Laurent of Granger Community Church officiating.

Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery, Niles.

Memorial contributions to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital are preferred.