Ruth Ann Winkelbauer

Resided in Gladstone, MI
Died December 5, 2021

Ruth Ann Winkelbauer, age 84, of Gladstone passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, December 5, 2021 at OSF St. Francis Hospital.

Ruth was born March 26, 1937, in Ferndale, MI the daughter of Anthony and Ruth (Groves) Gosselin.

As a young girl Ruth grew up in Clawson, MI and loved to Roller Skate and was involved in Acrobatics.

Ruth was united in marriage to Ted Winkelbauer, the love of her life, on March 2, 1957 they had 6 children together.

Ruth was a member of the Rock American Legion Auxiliary and Faith Lutheran Church in Rock. Ruth drove school bus for the Rock and Mid-Peninsula schools for 25 years. She was very artistic and some of her many talents were making all occasion cards, painting on saw blades and rocks to name a few. Ruth was also known for her “Candy Wreaths” at Christmas time. She was also an avid bridge player along with many other card games.

Ruth is survived by:
2 Sons: Gary (Deb) Winkelbauer and Timothy (Shaunna) Winkelbauer
3 Daughters: Linda (Jim) Williams, Teri (Al) Vebrigghe, Kristie (John) Nevala. 2 Sister: Rita Shantry, Mary Jane Goodwin
17 Grandchildren
22 Great Grandchildren

In addition to her Parents and Husband, Ted, Ruth is preceded in death by: Son: Scott Winkelbauer
Grandson: Joshua Verbrigghe
Sister: Betty Rowe

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the entire Hospice staff, for the love, care and kindness shown to both Ruth and Ted over the past year and a half.

A graveside Memorial Service will be held Memorial Day weekend in 2022 at the Rock Cemetery. Memorial contributions directed to the family may be sent to Skradski Funeral Home, 706 Wisconsin Avenue Gladstone, MI 49837. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Winkelbauer Family.

8 Tributes for “Ruth Ann Winkelbauer”

    Ruth Ann was the best. She will be missed greatly. She will be happy to be with her beloved husband Ted. She missed him so much. I know she is now at peace.

    I am so sorry to hear that Ruth passed. I enjoyed riding the school bus with her for several years. She was a kind, sweet lady.

    So sorry for your loss. Your mom was a beautiful lady inside and out. Hugs and love to all of you

    I was so sorry to see that Ruth had passed away. While working at the Mid Pen School I got to know her as a co-worker. Since I had some of her children I saw the parent side. She was really proud of her children. My condolences go out to her family.

    Sometimes theres just no words….my heart breaks for the family. When you think of her and Ted, brings a big smile to my face. I have many fond memories .with them. Ruth you and Ted were pillars of Rock. Hard working ,fun loving people. My co worker for years. Rest in peace my friend. Say hi to Tom for me.

    So very sorry for this great loss, Ruth was a very special lady. I know in my heart that she’s with Ted and Scott watching over everyone ❤️ ❤️ Please know that if there’s anything I can do. Hugs

    Rest In Peace

    Mrs. Winkelbauer started driving my school bus, bus 8, when I was in second grade. She embraced her position and all the children that road that bus with her were her kids. She was strict, but kept all of us safe. I remember how excited she was to have an 8 track or cassette, (I can’t remember which), on the bus. If I remember correctly she did play a variety of music, but she really loved the Carpenters. Every Christmas she made a candy wreath for us to cut off a piece of candy off when we got off the bus. I even called her from Seattle to learn how to make the wreath to hand out to family and friends.

    My sister, brother and I were (lucky enough) to be her first pick ups and last to drop off. I remember her in winter storms getting stuck in the driveway turn around and then learning school closed. She and my Mom had some good coffee and conversations while waiting for a rescue bus. I remember her as being fearless.

    I moved back to the family farm in Feb. of 1999 and putting my twins on the bus to school with no other then Mrs. Winkelbauer, I felt comfortable and knew that they would be safe.

    To her children, most of you I knew in school, my most sincere concondolences. Your Mom was amazing and loved by many. She made a sincere impact on my life. Much love to all of you.

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