Ruth Beardsley

Ruth Sara Beardsley of Fenton, Michigan, left this world peacefully on December 11, 2025, at the age of 94, after a brief illness. Until the very end, the twinkle in her eye—the one that defined her—never dimmed.

Born in Warren, Ohio in 1931 to Vera and Wade Hines, Ruth moved to Monroe, Michigan as a young girl and graduated from Monroe High School. With quiet determination, she worked her way through Michigan State University, earning a business degree in 1953 and later her teaching certification.

In 1958, after a five-year courtship blossomed into forever, she married Richard “Dick” Beardsley, the love of her life. Together they planted roots in the small, quiet town of Fenton and grew a family and a legacy wrapped in selfless, steady, joy-filled love. They raised three daughters—Laurie, Diane, and Amy—and welcomed grandchildren and great-grandchildren with the same open arms that touched all the lives around them.

For 27 years Ruth taught at State Road Elementary, retiring in 1989. Even in her final weeks she would smile and say those years with “her kids” in the classroom were among the most gratifying of her life.

Retirement gave her more time to serve the community she cherished. She chaired the Rotarian Angel Tree program for two decades, served on the board of FARR (Friends Assisting Residential Residents), and supported fundraising for the Fenton Freedom Festival. At Bay View Club and as a lifelong member (with Dick) of Spring Meadows Country Club she fostered meaningful relationships.

Her garden was her quiet sanctuary. She coaxed beauty from the earth with the same patient, loving hands that raised children and cultivated lifelong friendships. Wherever she turned her care—whether to people, her garden, or volunteering—life flourished more vibrantly because of her.

An exuberant sports fan, Ruth cheered on the Detroit Tigers, Big Ten football and basketball, PGA golf and—above all—her beloved Michigan State Spartans and Coach Tom Izzo.

Anyone who knew Ruth will tell you the same thing - she possessed a twinkle in her eye that was uniquely hers. They sparkled when she served others, gathered with her friends and when she watched her grandchildren with unspoken pride. Her eyes also danced when she had a winning bridge hand or a birdie on the golf course. That warm light was Ruth’s signature, and it will shine in our hearts until we see her again.

Ruth was predeceased by her husband, Richard (Dick) Beardsley. She is survived by her daughters Laurie Harnisch, Diane (Joe) Paglino, and Amy (John) Wynne; her grandchildren Ryan (Jess) Sanback, Kaitlyn Sanback (fiancé Andrew Swift), Michael (Kaili) Paglino, Anthony Paglino, Jenna Paglino (fiancé Reid McCulloch), Leesie Paglino and Jojo Paglino, Cara (Max) Dehio, Meghan Wynne, Johnny Wynne, Lindsey Wynne; her great-grandchildren Colter Dehio and Wesley Paglino; and her beloved friends she loved like family.

A celebration of Ruth’s life will be held Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Fenton United Methodist Church, 119 S. Leroy St., Fenton. Visitation at 10 AM followed by a service at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Community Foundation of Greater Flint: Richard A. Beardsley Fenton Foundation Fund in support of charitable purposes in the geographic area served by the Fenton Community Fund.

Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com