Ruth Viau

Ruth E. Viau, age 80, of 10559 S.75 Road, Rapid River, MI died Saturday evening July 17, 2004 at St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba where she was a patient. Ruth was born November 14, 1923 in Rapid River the daughter of George Henry and Elsie (Moser) Martin. She was raised in the Rapid River/Perkins area and was a 1943 graduate of Perkins High School. Following graduation she worked for the Venus Sewing Factory in Escanaba for several years. Ruth was united in marriage to Benjamin Viau on August 3, 1946 at St. Charles Catholic Church in Rapid River. They made their residence in Rapid River where they raised their three children.
Ruth was a member of St. Charles Catholic Church where she helped with their pastie sales. She was also a member of the Rapid River American Legion Auxiliary and she was a Rapid River Lioness. Ruth loved hunting and ice fishing and working in her vegetable/flower garden. She enjoyed morel hunting and especially spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In addition to her husband of 57 years, Benjamin, survivors include:

2 Daughters:Kathryn (Brent) Baum of Peshtigo, WI, Barbara (Gregory) Paltzer of Negaunee, MI

1 Son:Gregory (Dannette) Viau of Rapid River, MI

3 Brothers:Clarence (Jeanette) Martin of Gladstone, Robert (Alta) Martin of Rapid River, Donald (June) Martin of Rapid River

7 Grandchildren:Jaret (Jen) Paltzer of Mountain Home, Idaho, Brooke (John) Kleis of Chicago, IL,Bradley (Amy) Viau of FonDuLac, WI, Justin (Amy) Baum of Green Bay, WI, Adam (Jenny) Paltzer of Negaunee, MI,Danielle (Brandon) Ansell of OshKosh, WI, Nicholas (Carrie) Paltzer of Tampa, FL

5 Great Grandchildren: Alexis and Ethan Paltzer, Benjamin and Izabel Viau and Michael Paltzer

Numerous nieces and nephews

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by:

4 Sisters: Jean Johnson and Marjorie, Doris and Dorothy Martin

Ruth’s family will receive friends on Wednesday from 3:00 P.M. to 6:15 P.M. at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Rapid River American Legion Auxiliary Post #301 services will follow at 6:15 P.M. at the funeral home. Mass of Christian Burial services celebrating the life of Ruth E. Viau will follow at 7:00 P.M. with Rev. Jacek Wtyklo and Rev. Emmett Norden officiating at the St. Charles Catholic Church in Rapid River. Luncheon will follow services in the church fellowship hall. Committal services will take place at the Rapid River Cemetery on Thursday at 10:00 A.M.