Ruthann M. Lawrence, 48, of Montague, passed away Sunday, January 15, 2017, at Butterworth Hospital of Grand Rapids. She was born August 19, 1968, in Mexico, Missouri to William and Wanda Faye Hagedorn.

Ruthann graduated from high school in Paris, Missouri, and went on to earn her bachelor's degree in education from Grand Valley State University. She then earned her master's degree in Educational Leadership from Western Michigan University. Her teaching career began at Orchard View Middle School in 1992 where she taught 6th grade social studies. In 2000 Ruthann began working at Montague Middle School as a social studies teacher. Ruthann was a strong supporter of the Montague Schools, and especially the band program.  Ruthann was a member of the Michigan Education Association (MEA) and the Montague Teacher Education Association (MTEA). She loved traveling and riding roller coasters. Ruthann was always on an adventure to find the next best roller coaster. She also enjoyed taking her yearly spring break trip to Florida, with her dear friends, Troy and Amy Love. Ruthann also enjoyed traveling to National Parks especially Yellowstone and taking trips with her family to Cedar Point and Islands of Adventure. In her spare time she also enjoyed reading books. Ruthann loved well, and was well loved. Her family meant the world to her. She will be missed.

Ruthann is the beloved wife of Van, whom she married June 2, 1989 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Loving mother of her son, Tracy of East Lansing, and her daughter, Hanna of Montague. Ruthann was blessed to share her home with her Aunt Betty Hagedorn. She was also a second mother to Marie Winter, an exchange student from Berlin, Germany. Dear sister of Sherry (Jerry) Abbott of Boone, Iowa; Garry (Julie) Hagedorn of Sturgeon, Missouri; Jon (Whitney) Hagedorn of Rogers, Arkansas. Daughter-in-law of Eva Lawrence and the late Sammie Lawrence. Sister-in-law of Warren (Myra) Lawrence. Ruthann is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, family members, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Wanda Hagedorn.

Friends will gather in happiness Sunday, January 22, 2017 from 1-3 PM, for a celebration of life, at White Lake Eagles, 1204 S. Lake Street, Whitehall.

Arrangements by Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service White Lake Chapel

Memorial contributions may be made to the Montague Band Booster Program.

Please share a memory with the family at www.beaconfh.com.