This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: ELYEA, BEATTIE, SKUTT, ESCHMAN, DUNAWAY Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.michigan.counties.calhoun/3939/mb.ashx Message Board Post: ELYEA, Ruth L. Of Portage Formerly of Marshall Passed away on December 15, 2006 at the Upjohn Health Care Facility in Kalamazoo. She was born on August 31, 1917 in Galesburg Michigan, along with a twin brother Roger, to Charles and Helena (Beattie) Skutt. She graduated from Marshall High School in 1937. After graduating she briefly worked at Eaton's, and the 5 & 10 Store in Marshall. On March 10, 1941 she was married to Robert Elyea . The couple were married for 53 years until his passing in 1994. Through the years, she belonged to several extension clubs in the Marshall and Marengo school districts. Her main joy in life though was taking care of her family and enjoying her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Surviving are her sons, Robert Jr. and Jane of Kalamazoo, Paul of White Hall; and daughter, Janette and Peter Eschman of Albaquerque NM; Grandchildren, Todd (Natalie) and Chad (Amy); step-grandchildren, Kim, Jill, Jody and Jennifer; She is also survived by two great grandchildren, Jacob and Brady; and 13 step gr! eat-grandchildren, Dustin, Antouine, Stanley, Jennifer, Kammie, Jacob, Ben, Gracie, Brandon, Austin, Amanda, McCulla, and Macie; Also surviving are a sister, Virginia (Jerry) Dunaway; and several nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were two infants at birth and her husband, Robert. She also was preceded in death by her parents, her twin brother, Roger brothers, Walter and Charles Jr.; and sister, Eleanor; Cremation has taken place and a graveside memorial service at Oakridge Cemetery in Marshall will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are by the Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home, 103 E. Mansion St., Marshall. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association. Assistance with memorials is available at the Kempf Funeral Home. Leave a personal message for the family and sign the online guest book at www.kempffuneralhome.com Published in the Kalamazoo Gazette on 12/18/2006. (Posted by a VOLUNTEER-NO family connection)