Ruth Ann Stanley

Ruth Ann (Franzel) Stanley, age 92, of Hazel Park, passed away on December 13, 2020 at Autumnwood of Deckerville with her family by her side.

            She was born in Frieburg in a small log cabin on the family home place, December 2, 1928 to the late J.P. and Annie (Guigar) Franzel.  Ruth Ann grew up in Frieburg, as the third youngest of her thirteen siblings, Henry, Frank, Cecelia, Mike, Ed, Stella, Earnie, Lincoln, Neal, Meno, Marie, and Bob.

            In 1947 Ruth Ann was the first in her family to graduate the twelfth grade from Ubly High School, where she was a star basketball player. She then moved to Detroit where she met the love of her life, John Stanley, who had just moved there from Arlington, Kentucky. They were married on September 16, 1950 by the justice of the peace. Then, subsequently at Saint Dominic’s in Detroit the following year, but of course, not before her mother Annie tried talking her out of getting married to a non-Catholic, explaining that the marriage would never last.  This September they celebrated their seventieth wedding anniversary. They moved to Hazel Park and resided there for 63 years. Ruth Ann worked for Hudson’s, S.S. Kresge’s, and then The Bread Basket, where she worked for 30 years. During that time, she was known for the best homemade soups and pies around. Ruth Ann was a lifelong member of Saint Mary Magdalene Parish in Hazel Park. Her favorite pass times were to spend time with loved ones, talk on the phone, and listening to her favorite singer, Elvis Presley. She was extremely fond of Judge Judy, where it was said they may share a few similar qualities.

            Ruth Ann is survived by her husband John.  She enjoyed spending time with her nieces and nephews, especially Justin Faber of Deckerville. Ruth Ann will also be missed by her sisters-in-law, Jan Stanley of Owensboro, KY and Mary Brown of Bardwell, KY, along with many other relatives and friends.

            Ruth Ann was the last of the thirteen and has rejoined all her siblings that preceded her in death, Henry Franzel, Frank Franzel, Cecelia Pearson, Michael Franzel, Edward Franzel, Stella Peters, Earnest Franzel, Lincoln Franzel, Cornelius Franzel, Steven Franzel, Marie Younglove, and Robert Franzel. She is now forever reunited with her daughter Jackie Glass. They are all sitting around the table, eating, sharing stories, and catching up on old times.

            The funeral service for Ruth Ann will be 11:00 am Monday, December 28 at Saint Ignatius Catholic Church in Frieburg (1800 Cumber Road Ubly, MI) where Ruth Ann was baptized. Father Nate Harburg, pastor of the Good Shepherd Parish will officiate. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. at the church only.

            Ruth Ann’s family would like to thank the nurse’s and staff at both Autumnwood and Deckerville Community Hospital for their compassion, dedication, thoughtfulness, and love that they showed our sweet Ruth Ann during this most difficult time.  Ruth Ann believed in helping the less fortunate her entire life.  If you have the means and would like to donate on her behalf, here are a few of her favorite charities: Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, Boys Town, or the Ubly Lions Club.