Ruth graduated from Dowagiac High School in 1957 and the South Bend College of Commerce with a diploma in Junior Accounting. It is there she met the love of her life, John J. Trotsky. They were married on November 8, 1959 and spent 65 years together. While living in Niles, she worked for Tyler Refrigeration as a secretary for 12 years.

When John became co-founder of Juno Industries, makers of Real-Lite Recreational Vehicles in Cassopolis,

September 2, 1939 – April 23, 2025

Michigan, he and Ruth traveled throughout the United States for business and pleasure (loving the R.V. life). Upon their retirement, they built a home in Cedar, MI where they spent summers enjoying their expansive view of Lake Leelanau sitting on their deck with a nice glass of wine, and spent their winters in Chokoloskee Island, Florida.

Ruth became interested in painting and became a very talented self-taught artist of beautiful oil paintings. Ruth enjoyed working in her vegetable garden and cooking for family and friends. Ruth loved bird watching and their yard in Cedar was full of bird feeders. The Steinke nephews and their families enjoyed many snowmobiling adventures, fishing and pontoon rides when Ruth and John resided on Juno Lake. Mushroom hunting was a popular event with family and friends too. Many happy memories were made and will never be forgotten.