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		Points of View October 26, 2001 Guest Column © 2001 Charlie Hopper Published with Permission

A Graceful Exit

There are a lot of beautiful people in the Keweenaw. Ruth Agnes Pippenger was one of them. Ruth quietly passed away on Monday, October 22, at the Houghton County Medical Care Facility.

I first became acquainted with John and Ruth Pippenger through their involvement as corporate members at Still Waters. For those not familiar with Still Waters, it's an assisted living community, a 70-bed "Home for the Aged" in Calumet, often confused as being a nursing home. Homes for the Aged are the "in-between" stops for elderly folks who are no longer able to live at home, but not yet needing the acute care found at a nursing home. They are often non-profit community-based endeavors, like Still Waters, which are open to membership by anyone with an interest in caring for the elderly. John and Ruth were two such caring people who attended the annual corporate member meetings, from which the board of directors is elected each year. Last year John was called to serve on the board.

Longtime residents of the area, both in Eagle Harbor and Laurium, John and Ruth had settled into retired life, but remained active helping others. As a member of the Rotary Club, John suggested proceeds from this year's Tamburitzan performances be used to help cover an unexpected expense at Still Waters, to upgrade fire control equipment. It was very timely and much appreciated help.

The last time I saw Ruth was at one of our board meetings. She would accompany John and patiently listen as we discussed the challenges facing Still Waters -- challenges which over the years have compelled us into some pretty unusual projects like Pasty Central and PastyNET. But that's another story -- maybe one I can share in a future column.

Ruth was not at our last board meeting on October 22. Afterwards I asked John how she was doing, and he told of spending a lot of time with her that day in her room at the Medical Care Facility. In spite of her struggle with dementia, they spoke of their upcoming 63rd wedding anniversary (November 4). He said she had mentioned something about soon going to be with her mother and father. John was unaware as we chatted that evening… she had already gone.

Ruth would have been 84 next month. That's about the average age of the residents at Still Waters. 

Thoughtful as always, John Pippenger has asked in lieu of other expressions of sympathy, that gifts toward the purchase of a new resident van at Still Waters be directed to a fund in memory of Ruth Pippenger. There will be a memorial service planned for next June at St. Peter's By the Sea in Eagle Harbor.

There really are a lot of beautiful people in the Keweenaw.

Author's postscript: Donations to Still Waters in memory of Ruth Pippenger may be made to: Still Waters 26096 Elm Street Calumet, MI 49913 Gifts are tax deductible and qualify for the Homeless/Food Bank credit on your Michigan taxes. (50% direct credit up to $400 on a joint return.)

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