Ruth H. Bahling, 80, of Lachine, passed away at Alpena Regional Medical Center on Sunday, April 13, 2008.

Ruth was born October 3, 1927 to the late William and Lillian (Ellsworth) Matzke in Alpena. She married Frank Bahling on June 26, 1948 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Alpena. They spent most of their lives on the old Collins farm in Wellington Twp. Ruth enjoyed her life with the many aspects of homemaking including raising 7 children. She was past Wellington Twp. Treasurer and also was a member of the Wellington Quilting group.

Ruth is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Frank; sons, Fred Bahling and wife Diann of Pennsylvania, Roger Bahling and wife Yvonne of Alpena, Alan Bahling of Franklin; daughters, Linda (Mrs. James) Hayka, Caroline (Mrs. Dale) Siegert, Sally (Mrs. Thomas) Krist; daughter-in-law, Kathy Bahling; 18 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; sister, Dorothy (Mrs. Louis) Blemke; sister-in-law, Gertie Matzke; brother-in-law, Albert Krajniak; and several nieces and nephews.

Ruth was preceded in death by her son, David Bahling; one great-granddaughter, Ella Orban-Luis; one brother, Howard Matzke; and three sisters, Flora Behnke, Doris Kindt, and Margaret Krajnik.

Family and friends may call at the Bannan Funeral Home on Tuesday from 2-8 p.m. and where funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Arnie Kirschner officiating.

Interment: Long Rapids Cemetery