Grand Rapids Ruth E. Brown, 91, of Northport and Grand Rapids, died peacefully on December 25, 2016. Born in 1925 to Ruth E. Smythe and John W.Smythe, Ruth lived a full life. She moved across the country with her young family, living in many locations in southwestern Michigan, Arizona and California. After Ruth retired from teaching in Kentwood for more than 20 years at Bowen and Glenwood Schools, Ruth and Dick moved to Northport and were active in the community. Ruth was a founding member of the Grand Traverse Lighthouse Foundation and served many years as it's treasurer. She was also active in her church, Trinity Church UCC in Northport and the Northport Women's Club. She was also a member of the Northport Area Historical Association and Share Care. Ruth was predeceased by her husband, Richard O. Brown, and her grandson, Richard S. VanHaitsma. She will be lovingly remembered by her children: Constance J. Brown, Christopher D. Brown, Carol M. (Herman) VanHaitsma and Charles R. (Janet) Brown. She is also survived by 5 grandsons, Jeffrey (Amy) and David (April) VanHaitsma, Brian, Jeremy (Karly), & Tyler (MaKayla) Brown. She was the loving great-grandmother of Gabriel Pustay, Kaylin, Ross, Michael, Ethan, and Olivia VanHaitsma and Jake, Payton and Karsyn Brown. A memorial service will take place on Saturday January 7, 2016 at 11:30 AM in the chapel at Porter Hills, 3600 East Fulton, west entrance. Donations may be made to Trinity UCC, 103 N Warren, Northport, MI 49670 or the Grand Traverse Lighthouse Foundation, PO Box 43, Northport, MI 49670. Another memorial service will be planned in the Northport area in the spring of 2017.