Ruth Martha Korzon (nee Mathiak)

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Sept. 28, 1923-Oct. 6

Ruth Korzon, age 98, of Leland Township, Mich., peacefully passed to heaven Wednesday, Oct. 6, at her home, surrounded by her family. 

She was born Sept. 28, 1923, in Detroit, Mich., to Bertha (Laabs) and Otto Max Mathiak, two months after her parents arrived at Ellis Island from Konigsberg, Germany. She spoke German at home until she began first grade at Gethsemane Lutheran School, suddenly learning in English. She was an excellent student and with a charming smile, shared the story of being voted the class cut-up, despite sitting behind Dick Martin (Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-in) in homeroom. 

After high school, Ruth worked at the National Bank of Detroit. During World War II, she met and fell in love with Capt. Fred Korzon, who served in the U.S. Air Force. They married on June 1, 1946, and she promptly was given a letter from the bank letting her know that now married, she would no longer have a job.

Ruth and Fred enjoyed 66 loving and devoted years together. She was a supportive, strong and generous wife sharing alongside her thoughtful husband, in their homebuilding business, typing his papers when he went to college, raising three children and as role models of Christian love, perseverance and conservative values in their work and leisure.

Ruth was an artist in every sense. An accomplished seamstress and weaver, she was a member of the Michigan Weaver’s Guild. With her creative style and vision, her homes were beautifully decorated. A wonderful cook, she loved to entertain and guests were always welcome, sharing in much fun and delicious meals. 

Through years of hard work and strong faith, she was able to realize her dream of exploring other countries and cultures with her husband, children, grandchildren and friends. Traveling the world, she acquired art and textiles. Family and friends developed a greater appreciation of the craftsmanship and artistry of each object as she shared the stories connected to her treasured pieces.

Ruth adored her six granddaughters and lavished love on her entire family. To know her was to love her and she will be greatly missed. She instilled a love of life to all those graced with her presence.

She is survived by her three children, Tim Korzon (Sherry), Mark Korzon (Madelynn) and Deborah Korzon Parker (Ron); six granddaughters, Kristal Herr (Brian), Shanna Anderson (Ian), Marina Martin (Thomas), Natalie Skiathitis (Nigel), Hilary Crowder (Steven), and Monica Korzon; and six great-grandchildren, Ryder, Sloan, Scarlett, Torrance, Magnus and Charlotte; nieces Diane (Bob), Carol, Geri, Gail (Sonny) and nephew Gary (Linda).

She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Korzon, and brother, Fred (Elsie) Mathiak.

A memorial service will take place in the spring in Leland, Mich. Donations can be made in the Memory of Ruth Korzon to Heartland Hospice, 12914 Peninsula Drive, Traverse City, MI 49686 or Immanuel Lutheran Church, 303 Pearl St., Leland, MI 49654.