Ruth Miesel Worthington, 96, of Traverse City, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2015. She lived a long, active, and nurturing life up until her death. Ruth was born in Detroit on May 19, 1919, the eldest child of Rudolph and Louise Miesel. She was sister to Betty, Don, and Ross, all of whom preceded her in death. She graduated from Detroit Central High School and received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Wayne State University. She was state diving champ before it was fashionable for young women to be involved in athletics. On April 4, 1942, she married Bill Worthington at Westminster Church of Detroit. During World War II she worked in Del Rio, Texas, in various capacities for the U.S. Army Air Force while Bill served his country as a training instructor. Following the war, Ruth and Bill returned to Michigan, where she focused on the important responsibilities of raising a family. She opened her children’s worlds to the arts and volunteerism and had an expectation that all her children would be well-educated. She returned to teaching physical education at Tappan Junior High Shcool and to counseling at Cody High School. For much of her life, she was involved with Camp Westminster in various capacities and also with Westminster Church of Detroit. Later in life, she joined the Presbyterian Church of Traverse City. Being part of the spiritual life of the church remained a joyful part of her life up to the time of her death. For 21 years Ruth and Bill owned and operated Pineview Resort in Lewiston. They enjoyed clientele and friends and family visits and shared campfires, deer hikes, swimming, and boating. Ruth and Bill retired to Traverse City, where they enjoyed themselves together and with church activities, the Newcomers Club, and volunteering with the Northwest Michigan Blood Program. She lost her best friend and husband of 61 years when Bill died on Jan. 9, 2004. Ruth’s greatest loves and favorite times were with family and friends. The family traveled together for many memorable vacations. She was intensely interested in other people and cared greatly about all those she knew. She was always there for her family, both for the big events and the day to day happenings. She was described by those who knew her as deeply spiritual and devoted, joyous, mindful, delightful, and just plain good. She continued to love playing bridge, reading, genealogy, and dark chocolate. She lived a long and quietly powerful life. Ruth is survived by her four children: daughter, Ruth Ann; granddaughter Jamie Dehlin, grandson Barry Dehlin and wife, Ann St. Claire; great-granddaughters, Elise Dehlin, Paige St. Claire; daughter, Nan and husband, Dan Tholen; grandchildren, Amalia and husband, Sutin Baldwin; and great-grandsons, Calder Karsten, Elisabeth and husband, Kris Hammerberg, and Kit and wife, Lindsey; son, Bill Jr. and wife, Joan; granddaughter, Holly and husband, Glenn Gilman; great-grandchildren, Clayton and Savannah; son, Doug and wife, Cynthia Dopp; and grandsons, Michael and Nicholas.