Ruel Mardis

On April 4, 2020, at the age of 85, Ruel Mardis, loving husband and father, went to be with his Lord and Savior. Ruel was born on October 5, 1934 in Hatton, AL to the late Simon and Ira Mardis. Ruel worked most of his life in the paper industry retiring after approximately 40 years.

Ruel was married and later divorced to Jeanette Mardis and they had a daughter Sharon.

On July 23, 1964 he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Harriet Mardis. They first lived in Kalamazoo and had two children together, Sean and Patricia. In 1971 they moved to a farm outside of Lawton, MI. The farm included grapes, blueberries, and some woods. Ruel had a strong work ethic and he loved working on his farm when he was not at the paper mill. He also loved growing a big garden which always included watermelon – his favorite fruit, and cantaloupe for his wife!

Family and faith were important to Ruel. He dearly loved his wife and children in his own quiet way. He loved reading his Bible and attending at Decatur Bible Church.

Ruel was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Roland Mardis, Sammy Mardis, sisters Loraine Kirby, Betty Jean Gasky, Shelby Jean Barber, Shirley Terry and daughter Sharon Behary.

He is survived by his loving wife Harriet, his children, Sean Mardis (Well), Patricia Brooks (Cary), his stepchildren Bryan Huey, Stephanie Huey (Ron), Brad Oleksyn (Lori), Bret Oleksyn (Kris), his sisters Helen Peters, Sandy Terrell, and Caroline Joplin, several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service to celebrate Ruel's life will be held at a later date. Memorials in Ruel's memory may be directed to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan or Parkinson’s Foundation. Betzler & Thompson Life Story Funeral Home, 60900 M-40, Paw Paw (269) 657-3870. Please visit Ruel’s personal web page at www.BetzlerLifeStory.com