Art Randall

A man of faith, outgoing, hard-working, and persevering, Art Randall lived a life rich in family and friends. Art was humble and kind, welcoming each day as a gift. He was easily contented by life's simple things, including time spent with loved ones, a good meal, being outdoors, tending his farm, and encouraging his loved ones' endeavors. Art knew the importance of balancing hard work with restorative activities. He enjoyed life, and by example, he encouraged others to do the same. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Art will long be remembered and missed by those he so dearly loved.

The mobilization of war efforts in 1942 was quick and effective, with carmakers and other manufacturers changing to the production of weapons of war. Gas rationing, Scrap Days, and Victory Gardens became the norm. At the same time, the Declaration of the United Nations, the newly formed Women's Army Auxiliary Corps, and the Voice of America assured that every citizen had their eyes focused on a better future. Nowhere was there more hope for the future than in the hearts and home of Clinton and Ruth (Love) Randall as they welcomed their son Art to their family on November 22 in Dearborn, Michigan.

Growing up on a farm in Gobles, Michigan, Art was the oldest of four children. He and his younger sisters, Marilyn, Susan, and Barbie, all learned good work ethics from a young age. They were raised in a Godly home and were members of Covey Hill Bible Church. Naturally inquisitive, Art loved watching and being around his Grandpa Randall, who had a repair and tow shop. He learned to drive a tractor at a young age so that he could work for others. He loved cars and anything mechanical.

Art enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially smelt dipping up north and fishing the local waters. After graduating from Portage Central High School in 1961, Art married Judith Van Kesteren. Though the marriage ended in divorce, Art was blessed with the gift of their two children, Keith and Kimberly.

As a teen, Art met Ruth Howard at Bethal Baptist Church, and while they never dated, they became good friends. Each married and went their separate ways with their spouses and families, though they shared the same circle of friends and stayed in touch. After Art divorced and Ruth was widowed, they began dating. On September 1, 1978, they happily married at Reverand Charles Carson's home and welcomed each other's children into their family.

Art raised Eric and Sheila as his own, and as with his own children, he didn't have to discipline the kids because they were all familiar with "the Art look" they received when things weren't going right. Farming was in his blood, and Art was happy to buy Ruth's family's farm from her siblings. Together, they lovingly remodeled the centennial farm to make it their own. Their Pumpkin Day was the highlight of the fall for family and friends.

Thrilled to share his passions for fishing and hunting with his boys, Art found that it always proved to be a good way to bond with them. He always felt like he was in heaven hunting deer and pheasant on the farm. Art also enjoyed camping with family and friends, including his siblings. Camping was never about the destination; it was always about spending time with loved ones.

Another passion of Art's was tinkering, restoring, and refining cars. He loved being able to do these things for each of his kids and for Ruth. He painted an old Volkswagen red and white for Ruth and recently redid his 2002 Ram Truck. His many skills allowed him to be of service to anyone needing help. He had the equipment and tools to help with almost any project inside or out. He could repair almost anything.

As much as Art and Ruth enjoyed living on the farm, in 2015, when it became too much to keep up, they moved. No matter where they were, Art and Ruth were inseparable. He loved humble meals and especially enjoyed Ruth's lasagna and meatloaf. Ruth described Art as a romantic and affectionately called him a Velcro-husband because he wanted to be wherever she was or have her wherever he was. He also loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who recognized that his favorite sayings were "That's not appropriate" and "Watch my lips."

Art lived a full life and even at age 82 he had amazing energy and would like to stay busy at projects alongside Ruth. Generous with his time, talents and tools, Art helped anyone who asked.

As we celebrate Art's life, may we find much comfort in our many treasured memories. May we also find comfort in the honor of carrying his legacy forward. In each moment we find joy in the ordinary moments with those we love most, confidently face challenges, consciously nurture our relationships, cast our lines in local waters, enjoy tending to our homes and projects, or encourage our loved ones' goals and dreams, we keep Art's memory alive and inspiring others as he so inspired each of us.

Art Randall died on Friday, September 12, 2025, at Pipp Hospital in Plainwell.

Members of his family include his wife Ruth: 4 children: Keith, Kimberly (Clair) Carr, Eric Vito, Sheila (Chuck) Iversen; Grandchildren: Eric II Vito, Tyler (Hailey) Pullano, Tabatha (Curtis) Murray, Justin Randall, Clarissa (William) Phillips, Da Visiajorn, Tatum Louis, Kaleb (Nevada) Randall ; Great-grandchildren: Eric Vito III, Lyndsey, Javan Jr., Carl and Robert Louis, Mason and Autumn Pullano, Brielle and Jaxon Murray, Aristotle Richardson, Zharius Randall; sisters: Marilyn (Paul) Genereux, Barbara (Don) Jacobs. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Bradley Midget, daughter-in-law Thip Gevara-Vito, and his sister, Susan (Nick) Klumb.

Cremation has taken place. Life Story services will be held at 2 pm on Sunday, September 21 at the Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. A reception will follow in the Life Story Center. Donations may be made to New Hope Community Church. Celebrate Art's life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com.