Our beloved friend passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 6, 2019, in the comfort of her home with her friends by her side. She was 98 years old. Norleen L. Gilliam was born on October 29, 1920 in Saginaw, Michigan, to the late Clarence and Jessie (Buddy) Gillam. She was a proud graduate of Saginaw High School. Norleen married Roy Ruff in 1960; he preceded her in death on September 20, 1978. She was employed as a Nurses Aide with the Lutheran Home (Wellspring of Frankenmuth) for over 20 years. Norleen was a faithful member of King of Kings Lutheran Church in Frankenmuth. She enjoyed embroidery and sewing; as well as gardening, tending to her flowers and doing yard work. Shopping, going out to dinner and spending time at her cabin in Cedar Lake, were many things she loved doing with family and friends. She also liked watching the birds from her patio, especially cardinals. Above all, Norleen loved and cherished her dog, Shelia and her cat, Kitty.
Surviving are a cousin, Arlene Phyllis Gillam; and a special friend Patricia and Ted Fettig.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of Norleens special caregivers, Shelley (Keith) Strong; Sandy Torka; Cathy Jacqmain; Patricia Harris, Paula Johnson, Cathy Atkinson; and Kelly Stark.
She was preceded in death by a son, Gary Ruff.
A Funeral Service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 9, 2019 at the W.L. Case and Company Funeral Chapel, 5700 Dixie Highway. Rev. Wade Turner will officiate. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the funeral home on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Humane Society of Saginaw County or St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital.
Funeral Home:
W. L. Case and Company
5700 Dixie Highway
Saginaw, MI
United States 48601