Ruth Ellen Poirier

Ruth Ellen (Vertz) Poirier, a beacon of love and faith, passed away on December 28, 2024, at the age of 90 in St. Joseph, Michigan. She was surrounded by her family as she slipped from this life into her heavenly home that awaited her. She was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend who brought joy and kindness to every life she touched.

Ruth was preceded in death by her cherished parents, Harry Vertz and Edna (Shipley) Vertz, her beloved husband, Pastor Robert Poirier, and her dear children, Kathy (James) Willis, Duane Poirier, Shelly (David) Schneider, and Amy (John) Perry and her siblings; Raymond Lovegrove, Ester Hakola, and Evelyn Burgess. Her memory will be treasured and kept alive by her loving family, including her children Vicky (Ken) Clayton, Laurie (Michael) Laffey, and Lavonne Crase, her sister Doloris Wedding, her 19 grandchildren, and the many great grandchildren who were blessed to know her warmth and wisdom. 

Throughout her life, her commitment to Jesus was evident in all that she did. It began long before she became the Pastor’s wife. She placed her hope, trust, and life in the promises of Jesus and walked with Him all the days of her life. 

When her husband decided God had placed the calling on his life to become a Pastor she supported him the entire way, helping him with all of his schoolwork all the while, never wavering from her true calling, being a mother. When he became a pastor, she would manage to get all six of her children ready for church and travel to the church in Berrien Springs. They opened the doors of that church, Berrien Springs Grace Brethren Church, forever changing the lives of many.

Always faithful to the Lord’s calling and her commitment to her husband, they moved to Dayton, Ohio after serving in First Church, they once again decided together to start Calvary Grace Brethren Church. Countless hours were poured into this church where she served as church secretary, Sunday school teacher, pianist, and typed out every sermon her husband hand wrote. Even going door to door spreading God’s word and the good news of salvation despite her meek manner. She served meals in her home many times so Robert could disciple the next generation of Pastors. All of this done with joy and kindness. Her gentle spirit drew people to her. Her seven children most of all. Twenty years of her life was dedicated to this ministry. 

When it was finally time to “retire” she moved back into her childhood home in Trout Lake, Michigan. They remodeled the five-bedroom home doing the majority of the work themselves. Unfortunately, tragedy struck and Robert passed away. This led her to live with her daughter in Berrien Springs part time and eventually full time.

While it is impossible to sum up a person’s life and the love a person showered onto all of those who surrounded her, to explain the strength and courage she possessed while facing many health scares. There is a Bible passage that explains her perfectly, Proverbs 31:10-31. A wife of noble character whos’ worth was far more precious than rubies. Her devotion to God was above all else and she renewed her strength in Him daily. She spoke wisdom and faithful instruction. Her hands were always working and giving to anyone in need. She was clothed with dignity and strength. Her absence will be felt by all who knew her and to know her was to love her.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Allred Funeral Home in Berrien Springs, Michigan. A funeral service will be held on January 9, 2025 at Huntly Baptist Church in Niles, Michigan at 2:00 PM. A time of visitation for family and friends will start an hour before the service at 1:00 PM. A private burial will take place at a later date in the Upper Peninsula where she will join her husband.