White Lake area landmark Ruth Elizabeth Pitkin died Monday, November 9, 2020. Ruth lived a very full life for 96 years. Born March 18, 1924, in Grand Rapids to David and Mary Runnells, Ruth had a brother, David, and two sisters, Charlotte and Dorothy. Her father was a newspaper man working for the Grand Rapids Press as a Farm Reporter.

Ruth graduated from Ottawa Hills High School in 1942 and went on to Michigan State College, receiving a BA degree with studies in Home Economics and Interior Design.

Ruth was introduced to the White Lake area by her college roommate, Ann Slater Cannon who lived north of the White Lake channel on Lake Michigan. They both worked for a summer at Murray's Inn on the south side of the channel.

Ruth met Norman Knudsen Pitkin of Whitehall, and they were married January 29, 1947, in Grand Rapids. Norman served in the US Army during WWII. They lived in Whitehall and formed a family consisting of Anne Scott Pitkin Pierre, Tami (Jim) Kitslaar, Scott (Connie) Pitkin; and special family member, Patty O. McBeth.

Ruth and Norman operated the Village Store at 108 South Mears for many years. She was also very much involved with the AAUW, the White Lake Yacht Club, and served as President of the White Lake Area Historical Society. She was also involved with the Society's Annual Historic Structures Award Committee. Ruth also served on the Whitehall City Council for 18 years. She shared in her father-in-law Clarence E. Pitkin's visions for protecting and enhancing the White Lake community's environmental and economic assets.

Besides her children, Ruth leaves her grandchildren, Nicole Pierre (Keith) Dowling and Trent (Danielle) Pierre; and special friends, Lois Ekstrand, Ruth Gleason, and Roger Scharmer.

Ruth will long be remembered for her comments and thoughts about the future directions for the White Lake communities. She will be missed by her family and many friends.

Due to COVID-19 concerns, a Celebration of Life Gathering will be held next summer 2021.

Memorial contributions may be made to Harbor Hospice, 2065 E. Mount Garfield Road, Muskegon, MI 49444, or The Playhouse at White Lake, 405 East Colby Street, Whitehall, MI 49461.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, White Lake Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com