Ruth M. Shields

Ruth was born May 6, 1929, in Stambaugh, daughter of the late Waddick and Lydia (Richards) Pucylowski. She graduated from Stambaugh High School in 1947 and attended Del-Mar Beauty School in Detroit.

Ruth married John Mahon on Aug. 2, 1950, and he passed away in 1951. On Feb. 27, 1954, she married Chester “Bud” Shields in Stambaugh and they enjoyed 35 years of marriage together. Bud preceded her in death in 1989. Ruth was employed as a lunchroom supervisor with the Iron Mountain Schools for nearly 35 years. She loved her job, enjoyed the many friendships made over the years and was endearingly referred to as “The Lunch Lady.” Ruth was a member of St. Mary & St. Joseph Catholic Church. She was an avid reader and enjoyed puzzles and spending time with family.

Ruth is survived by a daughter, Jill Shields of Iron Mountain; four sons, John Shields of West Haven, Utah, Philip (Michele) Shields Sr. of Escanaba, Chet (Mary) Shields of Menasha, Wis. and Master Sgt. (Ret) Gregory (Tracy) Shields of Vulcan; nine grandchildren, Thomas P. Shields Jr., Stephanie (Kristopher) Pfotenhauer, Nicholas (Jessie) Shields, Philip Shields Jr., Michael (Jessica) Shields, Emily (Jesse) Kivioja, Nathan (Jessica) Shields, Anna (Justin) Khanna and Jacob (Amber) Shields; nine great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husbands, Ruth was also preceded in death by a son, Master Sgt. Thomas P. Shields Sr.; and two brothers, Paul and Francis Victor.

Visitation will be held from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 27 at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. A Memorial Mass will follow at 11 a.m. at St. Mary & St. Joseph Catholic Church. Fr. Janusz Romanek will officiate. Burial will be in Iron Mountain Cemetery Park.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Ruth Shields online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.