Ruth Betty Renton

Ruth Betty W. Renton, 94, a resident of Charlevoix, passed away on July 3, 2020 after a short illness.  She was born April 5, 1926 in Mulliken, Michigan to Floyd and Edna Wonser. Surviving are her children, Pam (Mike) of Clawson, Mark of Birmingham, and Anne (Ken) of Georgetown, TX and her grandchildren, Amy, Meghan (Eric), and her great-granddaughter, Ellie.  Surviving also is her brother, John (Meg) Wonser of Portage, and her sister Gertrude West, of Allegan. She is also survived by her late husband George's children, Stephen (Donna) Renton, of Gaylord, Scott (Astrid), Renton of Spring Lake, Glenn (JoAnn) Renton of  (Manassas, VA), and Kim Noe of Petoskey.

Ruth Betty graduated from high school in 1944 in Wapakoneta, Ohio. She then went on to attend Western Michigan University. As a young adult she was an accomplished pianist giving concert recitals and loved playing piano all of her life.

She was a resident of Royal Oak, MI for over 40 years. It was here she was married and raised her three children with her first husband Lynn Roby.  They were active members of United Methodist Church in the choir for many years, and she also worked as a tour guide for Greenfield Village.  She later remarried to Dr. George Renton in 1980. They were active members of Community Congregational Church of Lathrup Village. She and George moved to Charlevoix in 1992.

"Betty" was known to many from her volunteer work in her community.  She was a long-time member of P.E.O. for over 60 years.  She and her late husband were active members of First Congregational Church of Charlevoix where she served the Lord as a pianist, prayer shawl coordinator/leader, member of the prayer chain and member of the Care team. She gave ragtime music recitals to nursing home residents.  She was also a member of the Charlevoix Historical Society, and a volunteer hospital chaplain.  She always had a compassionate heart to be of service and give to others in need. She was a theorem painting artist, primitive antique collector and loved decorating with antiques.

A Memorial Service will be announced at a later date, due to COVID-19 restrictions.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the 1st Congregational Church of Charlevoix, 101 State Street, Charlevoix, MI 49720.

Arrangements are in the care of the Winchester Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign her online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com