Ruth Pikul

Ruth Phylis (Ackley) Pikul, recently of Berrien Springs, Michigan, passed away on May 24, 2026, at the age of 101, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born of February 25, 1925, in Monson, Massachusetts, to Gladys Irene (Partelo) Ackley and Wilis Samuel Ackley. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Joseph Pikul (1972), her daughter Mary Ann Postema (2024), and her sisters, Alice Stockman, Helen Pikul, Lois Carrier, Shirley Laviolette and Gladys Hannum. She is survived by her daughter Jane, and her husband Jim Markle; her daughter May, and her husband Paul Blando; her sister, Dorothy Raymond; eight grandchildren; twenty-five great grandchildren; and ten great-great grandchildren.

Ruth married Edward Jooseph Pikul in 1948, and together they raised their family in Palmer, Massachusetts. Ruth was a devoted Christian, attending services and teaching Sunday School at Faith Baptist Church of Palmer for two decades, and later becoming a member and regular attender of Highland Hills Baptist Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Faith was central to who she was, and Ruth lived out her beliefs by joyfully serving others with love, warmth, and humility.

Ruth Phylis Pikul will be remembered by her family and friends for her steadfast faith, her loving nature, and the many ways she blessed her family and community. Her life was a beautiful reflection of devotion to God, dedication to family, and kindness toward others.

Ruth will be laid to rest next to her husband on June 2, 2026. A graveside service will be held at 11am at the family gravesite in Oak Knoll Cemetery in Palmer, Massachusetts. A memorial service will be held at Highland Hills Baptist Church in Grand Rapids Michigan on June 3, 2026, at 11am.