Ruth L. (Osmun) Banfield

Ruth L. Banfield, 105, of Marshall died peacefully on Saturday, May 2, 2020 of natural causes.  Ruth was born on December 14, 1914 in Albion to Mark and Elizabeth (Stem) Osmun.  She graduated from Marshall High School in 1933.  On August 11, 1934  she married Samuel Banfield in Battle Creek.  He preceded her in death in October, 1973.

Ruth worked for State Farm Insurance in Marshall as an Underwriting Assistant for 25 years, retiring in  1982. She also worked for Woodland Metals, Yellow Freight, and helped her husband on the farm.  Ruth was a member of the Lyon Lake United Methodist Church and the Marshall Women of the Moose.  She enjoyed going out to eat, traveling and followed many sports, particularly baseball.  She was a true Detroit Tiger fan. Ruth especially enjoyed spending time with her family.

She is survived by her daughters, Jean Vandenburg, Jeanette (Mike) Flynn, Ann (Mike) Tenney, and Norma (Larry) Hoffman all of Marshall; sons, Samuel (Bonnie) Banfield, Mark (Janet) Banfield of Marshall, Melvin (Denise) Banfield of Tekonsha, and Myron (Terri) Banfield of Phoenix, Arizona; 23 grandchildren; and 37 great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Ann Osmun; and several nieces and nephews.   She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, infant daughter Virginia, grandson Matthew, brother Alton Osmun and son-in-law Wesley Vandenburg.

Due to COVID-19 a private family gathering will take place on Tuesday, May 5, 2020 at the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, MI 49068.  A private graveside service will take place at Oakridge Cemetery on Wednesday May 6, 2020 with Reverend Robert Stover officiating.  Memorial contributions are requested to Lyon Lake United Methodist Church, 8491 17 Mile Road Marshall Mi 49068,or Oaklawn Hospice, 1344 Preston Drive Marshall MI 49068 ( https://oaklawnhospital.org/donate/ ) or can be mailed to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services PO Box 519 Marshall MI 49068.  Leave a personal message for the family and sign the online guestbook at https://www.kempffuneralhome.com .  A public memorial service will be held at a later date and will be announced.