Josephine Ruzick

Josephine Ruzick of Mattawan, age 98 died on January 2, 2025. Josephine was born February 11, 1926 in Paw Paw to John and Nellie (Kwasniak) Haluch. She was preceded in death by her husband, George Sr.; siblings: Stanley Haluch, Frank Haluch, Chester Haluch, Victoria Finn, Stella Gap, and Genevieve Jaros; and her granddaughter, Angela.

Surviving are her children: Judy Kozminske, George Jr. (Linda) Ruzick, Jim Ruzick, Tom (Darcy) Ruzick, and Daniel (Nancy) Ruzick; 8 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

In her early years, Josephine worked as a bank teller before becoming a bus driver for Mattawan Schools, where many of the children who rode her bus remembered her fondly. She later retired from General Motors as a line worker.

She married the love of her life, George Ruzick Sr., on May 5, 1945. They joyfully celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, and 56 years of marriage, prior to George’s passing in 2001.

Josephine’s enduring faith was central to her life. She was a charter member of St. John Bosco in Mattawan, a lay member of the Carmelite Order for over 25 years, and an active volunteer in many church groups such as St. Rita’s Guild and preparing church lunches. She extended her kindness and generosity to everyone in her family and community in countless ways.

Known as the life of the party, Josephine’s wonderful smile and infectious energy drew people to her. Whether at pool parties, Thanksgiving gatherings, or any family event, her presence lit up the room. Even in her later years, after enduring many health challenges, she continued to attend every event she could, always resilient and bouncing back from any setback. Her positive attitude, amazing work ethic, and strong moral compass were invaluable gifts she passed on to her children, along with a deep sense of faith.

Please join us at a Life Story Visitation on Monday, January 6 from 5-8 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. The Rosary will be recited at 8 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, January 7 at 11 AM at St. John Bosco Parish in Mattawan with a luncheon in the church hall.

Celebrate Josephine’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on her dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary School in Paw Paw or St. Vincent DePaul at St. John Bosco.

Special thanks to her “Angels of Mercy,” as she’d call them, her caregivers Maria (Q) and Janet, the staff of White Oaks Assisted Living, Elara Hospice, and the St. John Bosco Monday Morning Prayer Group.

As Josephine would want everyone to know, “Do not cry for me, for I will be happy in Heaven.”