Ruth Miriam Miessen, age 90 of Big Rapids, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, January 13, 2018 at her home. She was born December 5, 1927 in Tipton County, Indiana, the daughter of Ralph and Ethel (Dawson) Smith. Ruth "Miriam" married Donald Miessen on December 5, 1954 at the Methodist Church in Hobbs, Indiana. Together they settled in Cicero, Indiana and later moved to Big Rapids in 1957. Ruth stayed home and raised her children until 1972 when she went to work at the First United Methodist Church as a secretary. In 1981, Ruth was employed by Ferris State College and retired in 1990. She was involved in many organizations including, being a member of the Mecosta County Historical Society, a member of FCE Family and Community Education, a grandmother to kids in Focus on Fours, a bell ringer for The Salvation Army, volunteering for RSVP programs, and volunteering for Mecosta County Blood Drives and the election board. Ruth was a faithful and devote member of the Big Rapids First United Methodist Church. During her membership at church, Ruth sang in the Chancel Choir and played in the Bell Choir. She belonged to TOPS, Sweet Adelines, United Methodist Women, Big Rapids Womens Bowling Association and Leagues, Khrysalis KOPS Society, and Mecosta County Council for the Arts. Ruth will always be remembered as a good friend and supporter to both her family and friends. She is survived by two children, Rebecca (Paul) Barnes of Newaygo and Richard Miessen of Big Rapids; one granddaughter, Hope Barnes of Rockford; brother-in-law, C.W. "Bud" Henry of Tipton, Indiana; sister-in-law, Jane Miessen of Grand Rapids; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents Ralph and Ethel Smith; husband, Donald E. Miessen; sister, Norma K. Henry; sister and brother-in-law Margaret Huffman and her husband Emerson Huffman; brother and sister-in-law, Raymond "Doc" Miessen and his wife Crystal Miessen, and brother-in-law, Kenneth Miessen. Funeral services will take place 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 19, 2018 at the Big Rapids First United Methodist Church with Reverend Rebecca Morrison officiating. The family will greet friends from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, January 18th at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Ruth will be laid to rest at Highland View Cemetery in the spring. Memorial contributions may be made in Ruths name to the First United Methodist Church in Big Rapids or The Salvation Army. Share a memory or leave a condolence for the family by clicking the guestbook tab at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com Funeral Service Friday, January 19, 2018 11:00 AM Big Rapids First United Methodist Church 304 Elm Street Big Rapids,MI 49307 Visitation Thursday, January 18, 2018 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home 13985 Northland Drive Big Rapids,MI 49307 Visitation Thursday, January 18, 2018 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home 13985 Northland Drive Big Rapids,MI 49307