Ruth A. Pelkey

Ruth A. Pelkey, age 96, of Northville, formerly of Plymouth, passed away on October 27, 2023. She was born on July 11, 1927 in Celina, Ohio; daughter of Albert and Celora (Gardner) Burwell.  Ruth graduated from Girls Catholic Central High School in Detroit; class of 1945.

Ruth worked for many years at Hotel Pontchartrain in Detroit starting as a cashier before becoming the credit manager.  She later partnered with her brother to open a bar in Taylor called Tri R’s and eventually ventured on her own, opening the Boathouse Bar in Wyandotte.  In 1986, along with her daughter and son-in-law Ross, she became part owner in Cloverdale in downtown Northville.  She managed Cloverdale until 1990 and then kept herself busy with various part-time jobs until retiring.

Ruth was an avid golfer and liked to play with friends as often as she could.  She also liked bowling and bowled in many leagues at Merri-Bowl in Livonia throughout the years.  Her competitive nature made her a ruthless card and game player; her wins in euchre, board games, dominoes and rummy were always well deserved.  Ruth loved to try her luck at the casino and could always be found at the craps table on her birthday.   During football season, she often placed winning bets on NFL games and cheered for Green Bay anytime they were playing.  A faithful Catholic, Ruth attended Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church.  She enjoyed living at Allen Terrace in Northville where she had many wonderful friends and took advantage of what they had to offer including Wii bowling and euchre.  Ruth was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend; she will be missed by all who loved her.

Ruth is survived by her beloved daughter, Robin (David) Bolitho; her son, Robert (Tracey) Pitts; her grandson, Jameson Pitts; her brother, Richard (Alice) Burwell; and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Harold Burwell and her sister Madonna Singelyn.

The visitation will be held Sunday, November 5, 2023 from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. with a funeral service at 3:00 p.m. at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap, Northville.  Deacon Ric Misiak from Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church will officiate the service.  She will be laid to rest at Rural Hill Cemetery in Northville.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate memorial contributions to Angela Hospice , 14100 Newburgh Road, Livonia, MI 48154.