Ruth Szymczak, 78, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She was born on August 9, 1947, to Elda and Raymond Tanczos in South Haven, Michigan. Ruth lived a full and vibrant life that touched the hearts of many.

She graduated from South Haven high school and went on to marry her high school sweetheart, Dennis Szymczake After marriage she relocated to the Kalamazoo area and finally to the Plainwell/Hickory Corners area.

Ruth dedicated her career to Impact Label and Doubleday Brothers in Kalamazoo, where she made lasting contributions through her hard work and commitment. Outside of her professional life, she found joy in creative pursuits such as photography, quilting, and crafting. Her photography included her love of the out of doors. Her photos of lighthouses, flowers and butterflies were her favorite, some of them being displayed in local galleries. Her quilting accomplishments were enhanced by her innate ability to blend colors and ideas into beautiful quilts that she shared with family and friends. She belonged to two quilt groups and was an inspiration to all. Her artistic talents were a source of pride and brought beauty to those around her. Ruth thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors, enjoying camping, bonfires and canoe trips down the Pine River with family and friends. Ruth also cherished the simple pleasures of life, including breakfast outings with her close-knit group of girlfriends.

Family was central to Ruth's life. She is survived by her beloved son Tate, her brother Tom Tanczos and his wife Laurie, nieces Taylor Tanczos and Megan Shank (Nate) and nephew Aaron Tanczos She was predeceased by her parents, Elda and Raymond Tanczos, as well as her husband Dennis Szymczak.

A celebration of Ruth's life will be held on April 11,2026 at the Plainwell Conservation Club 689 11th Street in Plainwell from 1-5pm

Ruth's memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew her. May her legacy of creativity and kindness bring comfort to all who mourn her passing.

While visiting Ruth’s webpage at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please sign the guestbook and/or share a memory with the family.

The family is being assisted by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 120 S. Woodhams St. Plainwell, MI 49080 (269-685-5881).