Dorothy ‘Dottie’ Ann (Ruska) St. Pierre

Dorothy was born on May 5, 1933 in Chatham, Mich., daughter of Oscar and Evelyn (Tweedale) Ruska. Dottie worked hard on her family’s dairy farm and was the oldest of 10 children.

She graduated from Eben High School in 1951 and attended Northern Michigan University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in 1957.

She married Wayne St. Pierre on January 28, 1954 at St. Thomas Church and raised their three children, Terry, Mark and Cheryl.

Becoming a teacher was her dream. She achieved this after attaining her bachelor’s degree and worked as an English teacher for five years and then as a substitute for eight years in the Escanaba schools.

Dottie loved reading and sports like football and baseball and was an avid Detroit Tigers fan. In her younger years she enjoyed playing tennis. Dottie also enjoyed watching variety TV shows like America’s Got Talent, The Voice, and The Masked Singer.

She was a proud member of the American Red Cross, the Eagles Auxiliary Club, and vice president of her bowling league. As a military family, she was president of the Medical Wives and was active in Women’s Club. Dottie was a devoted member of St. Anne’s Church.

Dorothy is survived by her children, Terry (Sue Roberts) St. Pierre and Mark (Lynn) St. Pierre; grandchildren, David Wayne and Dylan John St. Pierre; siblings, Leroy (Karen) Ruska, Bruce (Mary) Ruska, Duane (Mary) Ruska, and Dale Ruska.

Along with her parents, Dorothy is preceded in death by her husband, Wayne; daughter, Cheryl; daughter-in-law, Mary St. Pierre; sisters, Ina Corradino, Mary Lou (Harvey) Edminster, Patsy Accomando and Deanna Ruska; and brother, Brian (Lynn) Ruska.

A private committal service will take place at the Gardens of Rest Mausoleum.

A message of condolence can be directed towards the family at www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net. The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the St. Pierre family.