Ruth Marlene Ballance, age 82 of Lansing passed away Thursday, December 23, 2021. She was preceded in death by stepbrothers, Dick Buckingham and Tom Buckingham. Ruth is survived by her son, Edward (Jean) Ballance Jr.; grandchildren, Sam (Kristina) Ballance, Alina Ballance; stepbrother, Jim Buckingham; and sisters-in-law, Janice (Thomas) Toms, Susan (Kim Wallace) Ballance. Ruth was a dedicated employee at Auto Owners Insurance for 58 years. Family was her life. She enjoyed cooking, baking, and eating. Ruth loved the company of friends, and was a long-time member of South Church in Lansing, MI. She enjoyed spoiling her grand dogs Leo, Winston, and Ginger. A private family service was held.
12 Responses
Ruth was a true definition of a Lady. She was a good friend and co-worker. She was a dedicated employee with a positive attitude and a love for what she did. Loved her family and talked about them often. Rest in peace Ruth!
Love you, Diana
To Eddie’s family and friends of South Church:
Ruth will be missed by many and will always stay in everyone’s heart as a gentle person. She was a very special Lady. You were very blessed to have her as your Mother and friend!
Dave and I will always remember her as being very special. Hold onto all your special memories!
Ruth will be missed by so many, Ruth was one of the most giving person I have ever known, always worrying about someone else. She was always more of a sister to me then a sister in-law and a very special friend. You are pain free now and an angle just like you were on earth
Ruth was a wonderful person. Always cheerful as a dedicated associate at Auro-Owners Ins Co. Ruth, may you Rest In Peace with all the other Saints in heaven.
RIP sweet Ruth. You taught me so much about patience and grace, during our interactions at work.
I am saddened to hear the news of Ruthie’s passing. She was a true friend and we (Joyce, Ruth & myself) shared many adventures to Art & Craft shows through the years. MSU craft show in December was our favorite. We would call or message each other after a great win for MSU basketball or football. We will miss you Ruthie!
I had the pleasure of working with Ruth for 21 years. In all that time she was a joy to work with, and truly amazing, and always so pleasant. So sorry to hear she has passed. We truly lost an angel.
Ruth hired me at Auto-Owners in 1980 and was a wonderful boss, mentor, and friend. She had the biggest heart, always making sure her staff was taken care of and happy in their job.
Thoughts and prayers to Ed, his family and the rest of Ruth’s family and circle of friends.
May the perpetual light shine upon Ruth!
Joy (Wright) Ryan
I was very lucky to work with Ruth for many years at Auto-Owners Insurance Company. Ruth had a cheerful and loving personality which brightened all of our days. Ruth had a great sense of humor and laughed often. Ruth loved people, her work, her family, her church, and her strong Christian faith. Ruth was a big MSU fan and enjoyed basketball and football games. Ruth was simply a blessing to all who knew her. Thanks to all her family for sharing Ruth with her Auto-Owners family for so many wonderful years. Bob Buchanan
Ruth was such a sweet person and always available to help in any way. She and her beautiful smile will be missed
I too had the pleasure of meeting Ruth at Auto-Owners Insurance, as a sweet and kind, fellow associate. I thought of her as one of my “Sheroes” in life, for her dedication to her work despite whatever challenges she faced. We would often encounter each other at the end of a long day and spend extra time chatting it up on the way out. I have missed her ever since she retired and will miss her even more now, with the fondest of memories. May she rest in heavenly peace and my condolences to her family.
I was very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with Ruth over the years at Auto-Owners Insurance Co. Ruth was a warm, caring, bright, and positive person. Ruth, Thank You for everything and may you rest in peace!