Ruth Ann Tarantino (Reeves), 73, of Benton Harbor passed away on Friday, Sept. 10, 2021 at home.
A Celebration of Life Service was held on Sept. 15, 2021, at New Hope Community Church in Decatur with Rev. John Baird officiating. Burial followed the service at Crystal Springs Cemetery, Benton Harbor. Memorial contributions may be made to New Hope Community Church or to Caring Circle Hospice. Those wishing to sign Ruth Ann’s Memory Book online may do so at www.newellchapel.com.
Ruth Ann was born Aug. 30, 1948 to William and Violet Reeves of Benton Harbor. She was a 1966 graduate of Benton Harbor High. In 1967 she married her husband Ross Tarantino. They attended the Crystal Springs Church of God in Benton Harbor where they both accepted Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. They served for nearly 45 years. Ruth Ann served in the VBS, led the Christian Ed Program and also taught Sunday School. She went with her husband to the Benton Heights Church of God, where they served as interim pastors for a time, after which they returned to Crystal Springs for a short session, then to the Cassopolis Church of God, and then back to Crystal Springs Church of God. Finally they were called to New Hope Community Church, “our loving family” in Decatur.
Ruth Ann worked at K Mart of Benton Harbor, So Fro at the Orchard’s Mall, then to Sears until their closing. She and her husband enjoyed traveling, and just the idea to jump into the car and take off for two or three days in any direction. She loved her vegetable garden, which she missed the last two years, quilting, sewing, cooking and most of all she loved her family very much, and will be greatly missed.
Ruth Ann is survived by her husband Ross Tarantino of 54 years of marriage; her children, Christine Ann and Christopher (Cook) of Richland, MI, and Scott David Tarantino (Yulian); grandchildren, Nicholas Cook and Katelyn Ann Cook (My Angel); her brothers, Roger Reeves (Gloria) and William Allen Reeves Jr. of Benton Harbor; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Ruth Ann was preceded in death by her parents, William and Violet Reeves Sr.