Rutha Marie Pinkston

Rutha Marie Pinkston, 96, went to her heavenly rest on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at Hospice of Northwest Ohio/Perrysburg. “Marie” was born on July 4, 1927, in Swifton, Arkansas. She was the second daughter of Cleo and Ruth Hampton East. She grew up in a farming family and learned what hard work was at an early age. Marie was also an excellent student and athlete, excelling at basketball. She achieved a 4.0 grade average in high school which earned her a scholarship to the College of the Ozarks. Marie opted to forgo her education and chose to marry the love of her life, Morris “Gene” Pinkston after his return from World War II. In 1953, Marie, Gene, and their young son Bob moved from Lake City, Arkansas to Bridgman, Michigan where Marie worked in the office of Ackerman Nurseries. She later became the Accounting Department Supervisor of Nylen Products in Bridgman, retiring in 1974.

In addition to her priorities as a homemaker, mother and grandmother, Marie’s civic and community service included serving as a Lake Township Election Inspector for 20 years. She was a founding member of Sawyer Highlands Baptist church and a 31-year member of Woodland Shores Baptist Church. Marie was an active participant in her church, serving on various boards and committees, volunteering her time and talent as a teacher, and working in the church office. Marie and Gene enjoyed traveling to warm weather locations. They owned a home in Sun City, Arizona for two years and later began spending the winter months in Daytona Beach. They also made trips to Hawaii every five years to celebrate their anniversary. Marie and Gene enjoyed a wonderful marriage and provided a loving example to their family for 65 years.

Beloved by everyone who met her, Marie will be remembered as a kind and generous person, devoted Mother and the most loving and wonderful grandmother and great-grandmother you could imagine. Marie loved nothing more than being surrounded by “her people” as she loved to call her family. She is survived by her son, Bob, daughter-in-law, Carolyn, grandchildren; Abby (Ben), Mitchell (Kadey), Daniel (Gili) and seven great-grandchildren. Three step-grandchildren; Jason, Katie, Beth (Rusty), six step great-grandchildren, special cousin Ann and special nephew, Brad.

A funeral service will be held at 11:30 on Friday, September 1, 2023, at Woodland Shores Baptist Church 3555 Shawnee Road in Bridgman, Michigan, where she was a member. Family and friends are invited to greet the family in the narthex of the church beginning at 10:30. Burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery, Red Arrow Highway, Bridgman. A luncheon will be held at the church fellowship hall following the burial. Memorial contributions may be made to Woodland Shores Baptist Church. Online condolences accepted at www.PikeFH.com.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Traditions at West Park Place, where Marie has resided the past five years, and to the staff of Hospice of Northwest Ohio/Perrysburg for the incomparable care they extended to Marie in her last days.

Arrangements are entrusted to Pike Funeral and Cremation Services, The Boyd Chapel, 9191 Red Arrow Hwy, Bridgman.