Ruth “Ruthie” Marie Milbrandt of Hemlock, Michigan

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Covenant HealthCare – Harrison. She was 82 years old. Ruth Marie Carpenter was born on January 28, 1944, in Saginaw, Michigan, to the late Frank G. and Elizabeth M. (Pitt) Carpenter. Ruthie grew up in St. Charles, Michigan, proudly graduating St. Charles High School in 1962. As a young lady she worked at The Spring Brook Dairy Bar (The Freezer). Through a cousin, Ruthie met the first love of her life, Joseph James Barnovitz. They were united in marriage on November 7, 1964; he preceded her in death on January 9, 1980. While attending a dance, she met Clifford A. Milbrandt. They dated, fell in love, and were united in marriage on August 9, 1986; he survives her. Ruthie was employed with Nu Vision and as a sales associate at Meijer on Gratiot Road, retiring after 15 years of loyal and dedicated service. The role Ruthie treasured and cherished the most was being a loving and dedicated homemaker to her husband and children. She was a longtime and faithful member of St. John XXII Parish, St. Mary Catholic Church in Hemlock. Ruthie was an avid bowler and Bingo player and enjoyed and running a weekly Euchre club held at the Saginaw Field and Stream. She loving crocheted afghan blankets for all her grandchildren, crafted towels and other kitchen accessories over the years. Ruthie also created quilted holiday doilies to display around her home. Ruthie and Cliff enjoyed going to the Soaring Eagle Casino and attending fish fries. She will forever be remembered for her kindness, selflessly putting others before herself, and for truly loving her family.

Surviving are her husband of 39 years, Clifford A. Milbrandt of Hemlock; six children: Jerilyn Barnovitz of Owosso; Jay (Irene) Milbrandt of Portage; Barbara Numerich of Bath; Debbie Bailey of Haslet; Jeff Barnovitz of Tucson, AZ; Tammy Barnovitz of Chesaning; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law: Clara Carpenter of Midland; Beth Carpenter of St. Charles; and a longtime friend, Ferne (James) Pufhal. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends to numerous to mention but held closely to her heart.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Theresa Schmidt; a son-in-law, Andy Bailey; parents, Frank and Elizabeth Carpenter; two brothers: Frank Carpenter Jr. and Don Carpenter; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Clifford and Doris Milbrandt Sr; and a niece, Connie Carpenter.

A funeral service will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, March 30, 2026, at the W.L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 201 N. Miller Rd. Pastoral Minister Tori Little will officiate. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the funeral home on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 1:00 p.m. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.casefuneralhome.com.