Date of Death: September 27, 2023

Service Details

Visitation will be held Thursday, October 5, 2023 beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Hohner Funeral Home, 1004 Arnold St., Three Rivers. Her funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor LaChanuj Shelton officiating. She will be laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery. A livestream of her service will be available shortly before 1:00 p.m. on Hohner Funeral Home’s YouTube channel.

Obituary Notice

Ruth Ann Claussen, 74, of Three Rivers, passed away Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo.

She was born December 12, 1948 in Sturgis, the daughter of William and Shirley (Burnham) Rexford.

Ruth worked as a laborer at GM for 40 years, a constant presence as the building changed names and ownership. She also served as a union representative.

In 1994, she married Jeff Claussen, whom she met at GM. The two enjoyed fishing, camping, and traveling to Lake Superior.

An outgoing grandmother who spent all the time she could with her grandchildren, Ruth especially loved attending sporting events. She would bring her own onions and relish to share with fellow spectators. She also enjoyed playing computer games and going to the casino.

Ruth had a big heart and was very generous. Andrews Elementary students were special beneficiaries of boots and snowpants she purchased for donation to classrooms. Often, she would shop for people and drop off food without their knowledge. She loved people and was loved in return.

In 2003, Ruth had the privilege of participating in the graduation ceremony of her granddaughter Joslynn, when she, her mother, and her grandson Aaron also received Three Rivers High School diplomas.

Remaining to cherish her memory are her husband, Jeff Claussen; son, Robert Jess Evans; step-son, Joe Claussen; grandchildren, Aaron Brown, Joslynn Newburry, Jordan Evans, Jason Evans, and Ella Claussen; 10 great-grandchildren; brothers, Allen Rexford and Sid Rexford; sisters, Marian Olson, Marilyn Arterbery, and Debra Cook.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her daughter-in-law, Alisa Evans.

Additional Information

Donations in Ruth’s memory may be directed to the Olson ALS Foundation or the Three Rivers Sports Boosters. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.

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14 Comments

  4. I will forever cherish the found memories of grandma Ruth. I feel so blessed to be able to of met her at a time in my life where I needed family when I moved to TR. My children and I were welcomed with open arms as part of the family. She was so kind and loving and full of life. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family, I love and miss all of you and will truly miss Grandma Ruth❤️

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  6. I’m so sorry for your loss my deepest condolences is out to you all! I’ve got to know Ruth threw the years and I always thought of her as another mother! She loved her family with everything she had! She told me so many stories about u all!♥️

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  8. Grandma Ruth was an amazing lady with a heart of gold. She was the biggest cheerleader for all of her friends and loved ones. I always enjoyed seeing her come to Andrews Elementary to see her grandchildren. She always had a smile on her face. I’m going to miss seeing her. RIP Grandma Ruth.

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