Ruth and Ted Willett

ADRIAN— Ruth M. Willett, 84, passed away Wednesday, July 27, 2016 and Joseph ‘Ted’ Willett, 83, both of Adrian, passed away Friday, July 29, 2016 in the presence of their loving family, at Lenawee Medical Facility. Ruth, the baby of the family, was born on June 23, 1932 to James L. and Marie Louise (McHugh) Markey in Detroit, MI. She graduated from Marygrove College where she received her BA degree in education. She worked as a primary teacher for 3 years and later shared her love of reading with her neighbors on Tomer Road by persuading the Bookmobile to stop in her driveway bi-weekly for 14 years. Ted, the oldest of his family, was born in Sault Saint Marie, Canada, on November 22, 1932 to Ferdinand Joseph and Ellen E. (Donahue) Willett. Ted started the Seminary at Notre Dame but completed a BS in Chemistry at the University of Detroit. His career as a research chemist developing polyurethane rubber products included working for many years at Anderson Development in Adrian and other companies throughout the country. On February 11, 1956, Ted married the love of his life, Ruth Markey, together they celebrated 60 years of wedded bliss. After marrying Ruth, Ted was drafted into the Army where he developed his love for electronics and gadgets. Faith, family and friends were the most important parts of Ruth and Ted’s life. She loved to garden and, having a big love for animals, adopted many stray cats and dogs. Ruth was always willing to help anyone in need. While raising their nine children, in the early years, Ruth and Ted were very involved as members of St. Mary’s Church. Ted was on the Parish Council. Ruth was head of the Christian Service Committee working many hours within the food pantry. They both taught religious education classes. Later while living in White Pigeon, MI and as members of St. Joseph parish, they sang in the church choir. Ted was a Eucharistic Minister and Lector. Ruth was devoted to Eucharistic Adoration. After Ruth became ill, they returned to Adrian where Ted devoted his life to taking care of his wife, Ruth. While Ruth was in the LMCF, Ted would assist with the weekly Catholic prayer service for residents by lecturing, singing, and doing whatever needed to be done. The last few years, they returned to St. Mary of Good Counsel. Survivors include their children, Anne (Kevin) Derby of Britton, Irene (Scott Richards) Valdez of Jackson, MI, Ted (Julie) Willett of Bloomfield Hills, Daniel (Kathleen) Willett of Grand Rapids, Therese (Brian) Roe of Jackson, Lucy (Daniel) Conley of Schaumburg, IL, Frank (Julia) Willett of Adrian, Clare Willett of Birmingham, MI and Jim (Lori) Willett of South Lyon, MI; 35 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; and her siblings, Marie Louise Diefenbacher of Bloomfield Hills, Irene Markey of Royal Oak, Ann (Joseph) Samyn of Royal Oak, sisters-in-law Virginia Markey of Farmington Hills and Marilyn Markey of Grosse Pointe Woods, Ted’s brother, Rev. John F. Willett, C.S.s.R. of Missouri and sister Marleen Sullivan of Grand Rapids; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to their parents, they were preceded in death by their son-in-law, Steven Valdez; Ruth’s brothers James and Francis Markey, brothers-in-law Gilbert Diefenbacher and Timothy Sullivan. Mass of the Resurrection for Ruth and Ted will be 10:30 AM, Wednesday, August 3, 2016 at St. Mary of Good Counsel Parish, Adrian, with Rev. Father William Auth as celebrant. Visitation will be on Tuesday, August 2 at Wagley Funeral Home, Adrian, from 3-8 PM, with a prayer service at 7 PM and also one hour before the funeral service on Wednesday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lenawee Medical Care Facility or St. Mary’s Food Pantry. A full obituary may be read and online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHome.com.