In loving memory
Ruth Ellen Carver
March 4, 1941 - September 28, 2026
School librarian, gardener and grandmother of seven. Ruth lived in Traverse City, Michigan, for 52 years and never met a stranger.
Her story
Books, tomatoes and a full table
Ruth was born in Saginaw, the youngest of five, and moved to Traverse City in 1974 to run the library at Eastside Elementary. For 31 years she knew every child by name and kept a drawer of granola bars for the ones who skipped breakfast.
After she retired she gave her summers to the Cherry Street Community Garden and handed out tomatoes in paper bags to anyone who walked by. She is survived by Walt, her husband of 61 years, their three children and seven grandchildren.
"Plant more than you need, and give the rest away."
Ruth, every spring
In lieu of flowers
Give to the garden she loved
The family asks that gifts go to the Cherry Street Community Garden, which grows fresh food for the Traverse City food pantry.