1933 ~ 2025

Ruth was born on August 22, 1933 in Lake Leelanau. She was the oldest of three children born to Elsie Kovarik Belanger and Daniel Belanger. Ruth graduated from St. Mary’s High School as class valedictorian in 1951 and graduated from Marygrove College in Detroit in 1955.

Ruth was preceded in death by her brother, Gregory, in 1957, and both parents. Her brother Dan, Daniel Belanger, of Bay City, Michigan died in June 2026. Her children are Camille Leugers and spouse James Musser of Houston, TX and Suttons Bay, their children Sophie and Grace; Adrienne Leugers and spouse Drew Chilson, of Ketchum ID; Madeleine Leugers Francavilla, husband Mark of Santa Barbara, CA, and children, Mac and Will; Peter Leugers, his spouse Lauren Ferrera of Minneapolis, MN and their children, Gillian and Flynn; Eric Leugers, his spouse Linda Carlson of Minneapolis, their daughter, Etta; Martin Leugers and his spouse Tricia Lee Wright of San Francisco, CA.

Her family extends its’ deepest gratitude to the staff of Grace Hospice of Minneapolis and staff and residents of The Pillars of Prospect Park, who accompanied Ruth, Paul and their family so lovingly.

Donations in Ruth’s memory can be made to Leelanau Christian Neighbors and to the Leelanau Conservancy.

A funeral Mass and celebration to honor Ruth’s life will be held at on August 4, 2026 at St. Mary’s Church. A visitation will take place in the St Mary’s Gathering Space at 10:00 AM, followed by Mass at 11:00. A reception and refreshments will follow at 1:00 PM at the Joe and Paul Leugers cottage.