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April 5, 2012

Mattie Ruth Maginity

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BENZONIA — Mattie Ruth Maginity, of Benzonia, passed away at the Maples on April 3, 2012.

The daughter of Cyrus and Adelle Johnson, she was born on Jan. 1, 1928, in Griffithville, Ark. She was married to Ward Maginity in 1950.

Ruth is survived by her children, Sandy Maginity, of Benzonia, Douglas (Kathy) Maginity, of Thompsonville, Patrick (Linnie) Maginity, of Oklahoma City, Okla., and Linette (Thomas) Martin, of Arcadia; and grandchildren, Michael Maginity, of Benzonia, and Jessica (Benjamin) Olson, of Traverse City. Ruth is also survived by sisters, Nina (Roswell) Ghaston and Betze Paupore; and brothers, James (Olga) Johnson and Donald Johnson.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Ward; her mother and father; sisters, Shirley Johnson and Charlene Kortokrax; and brothers, Bernice and Howard Johnson.

Ruth was a born a tomboy in spite of a bum hip. She told stories of swinging from the porch rafters or from a rope over the cow yard. She talked of how the family took care of "necessities" during the floods. When she was 13, her family moved up to Benzie County, where her father had found work.

It was there that her father introduced Ruth to Ward Maginity, whom she married on Labor Day.

In 1967, Ruth was hired by Gwen Frostic. She worked there for over 35 years, and was still talking about going back to work until she died.

Ruth loved her children and grandchildren, country music and baseball.

The staff at the Maples loved her and talked about how she took care of the other residents.

A memorial service will be held today, April 5, at 3 p.m., at Grace Christian Church in Benzonia, with the Rev. Gilbert officiating.

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