Ruth Agnes (Niemi) Chenail died at the Bishop Noa Home in Escanaba, Michigan on Sunday, January 23, 2022 at the age of 99. Ruth was born to Ananias and Maria (Sivula) Niemi in Trenary, Michigan on December 30, 1922. The youngest of eight children, she liked to say her family was so poor, “They didn’t even have mice!” She lived to survive her seven siblings.
After growing up in Trenary and attending school there, she married Fred B. Chenail. Their years of marriage were spent living in Forest Lake, Michigan and Trenary. When her health was failing Ruth moved to the Bishop Noa Home in Escanaba, Michigan.
Ruth was a faithful member of St. Rita Catholic Church contributing her time and talents to church activities and the St. Vincent de Paul Society. She also enjoyed oil painting and woodworking.
Ruth is survived by her sons Robert (Barbara) Chenail and Donald (Joy) Chenail along with her daughter-in-law Ellen Chenail. Also surviving are her grandchildren Douglas (Debra) Chenail, Lori (Jim) Viau, Ronald Chenail, Michelle (David) VanLangevelde, Anna-Marie (Jason) Slaughter, Chandra (David) Porter and Megan (Troy) Zorza. She is further survived by twelve great grandchildren, six great-great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, husband Fred, son Fred J. Chenail and a great-great granddaughter Lilah Marenger.
Due to the current increase in Covid cases a memorial celebration of life will be held in the spring.
Memorials in Ruth’s name may be directed to the St. Vincent de Paul Society in care of St. Rita Catholic Church, PO Box 207, Trenary, MI 49891-0207
The family would like to thank the staff at the Bishop Noa Home for the compassionate care Ruth received.
Halle Marenger - Escanaba, Michigan
We will always miss your bright smile and the joy you brought to our lives. We love you Gram.
Pam - Escanaba , MI
Very saddened to hear of Ruth’s passing. We are thinking of you all at this difficult time and sending prayers and hugs.
Jeannette Viau - Escanaba , MI
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all Wally and Jeannette Viau
Joni (Cady) Hendrickson - Trenary, Michigan
So very sorry to hear this. Ruth, I bet you are going to be the shortest, funniest, and sweetest angel up there RIP Sweet Lady❤️
Laura and Kevin Taskey - Trenary, MI
Ruth and her sister Bessie Savola were wonderful women. Sincere condolences to all of the family.
Cheryl Stanek - Gladstone , MI
Bob, Ellen, Donnie, and family,
We just arrived home from a run away vacation and I was so shocked and saddened to read about your Mother. I loved her smile and she has been a friend since my childhood. Ruth was the most pleasant person I ever knew. When you walked in her house, you felt so welcome and at home.
I am so sorry for your loss, but she had some very loving and important people waiting to reunite with her! She truly was an Angel her whole life!❤️❤️❤️
In our hearts forever!
Cheryl Stanek