Donald Ruth was born in Pinnebog, Michigan on February 1, 1938, to Margaret May (Heron) and Francis Xavier Ruth. He was one of eleven children and is survived by siblings Helen (Bill d.) Carpenter, Mary (Greg) Bivins, and Leo (Dee) Ruth. Predeceased siblings include Francis Ruth, Matthew Ruth, Illene Johnson, Bernard Ruth, Earl Ruth, Carl Ruth, and Joann Wisenbaugh.

He married Theresa Margaret Strelecki on May 25, 1963 and they enjoyed 63 years of marriage and share seven children: Mark Ruth, Maggie (Trell) Elliott, Christopher Ruth (d. 2018), Stephanie Fortner, Robert (Nicole) Ruth, Victoria (Michael) Mitchell, and Donald (Jennifer) Ruth, and eight grandchildren: Charlie, Theresa, Klea, Caleb, Jack, Xavier, Wes, and Dash.

Don spent four years in the US Navy and earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Lawrence Technological University in 1969. He worked the majority of his career at General Motors in Saginaw at the Malleable Iron Plant. He helped with the shutdown of the plant as he was retiring in 2007.

As his children started leaving home, Don became an enrolled agent to prepare tax returns, taking classes and keeping current on tax law. After working at this for a while, he switched to donating his time to provide tax services to friends, family, and many others in the community including veterans.

Don enjoyed gardening, woodworking, and helping others with maintenance and repair projects. He was known for his amazing dill pickles, generosity, and love of a good meal and wine. Don loved cheering on his children and coaching them throughout the years.

Funeral Liturgy will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, June 26, 2026, at St. John XXIII Parish, St. Mary Catholic Church, 151 St. Mary Dr., Hemlock MI 48626. Rev. Fr. Sunil Kumar Pallela will officiate. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery where Military Honors will be held under the auspices of the United States Navy. Friends are welcome to visit with the family from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 201 N. Miller Rd., Saginaw, MI 48609, with a rosary being prayed at 7:00 pm. Friends may also visit at the church Friday morning from 10:00 am until the time of mass.