Ruth Anna Pike
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Born Ruth Anna Scotford in London, England on June 2, 1925. Ruth relocated to the south of France early in her life. At the age of six she flew from England to France by herself; the notoriety of her voyage made the local newspaper complete with a photograph of Ruth disembarking the plane that delivered her across the English Chanel. Thereafter, Ruth lived in Beausoliel, France until World War II.
Eventually, circumstances required that she flee German occupied France by herself when she was still in her teens because her British citizenship posed a threat to the invading forces. The US State Department heroically assisted in her escape instructing her by a letter, still well preserved, to travel immediately to the Spanish Consulate in Marseille. By all credible reports, when the local Beausoleil constable arrived the following day to take Ruth into custody, he was relieved to learn that she had already left, narrowly escaping imprisonment in a concentration camp.
Eventually, the United States and Spain collaborated to place Ruth safely aboard a ship destined for Gibraltar. The ship she fled on was chased and harassed by German submarines for most of the journey. After a brief stopover in Gibraltar, Ruth arrived in England aboard the RMS Llanstephan Castle. Once back in the relative safety of World War II England, Ruth assisted in the war effort at a munition's factory, where she earned a reputation for her steadfast determination to end the war all by herself, if necessary.
After the war Ruth met and Married Patrick Massey. Ruth and Pat had two children; John (1945) and Beryl (1954). Tragically, Ruth, John and Beryl all lost Pat far too soon. Ever a survivor, as a widow, Ruth negotiated a lease and ran the Taylor Walker Brewery at the "Sugar Loaves" in Little Charlfont, for several years.
While at the Sugar Loaves, she met and fell in love with John Pike, a curious young scientist from the National Laboratory. Before long, Ruth and John relocated to Kalamazoo with Beryl and John Massey. Beryl and Ruth sailed to the United States aboard the S.S. Liberte in 1958. John Massey stayed at Milton Abbey and then joined them one year later.
Once in Kalamazoo, Ruth married John Pike. Eventually, John and Ruth had two children, Sarah (1960) and Tim (1961). In the 1960's, Ruth studied for and obtained her US citizenship in tribute to the beloved adopted country that had rescued her many years prior. She remained a faithful, lifelong patriot for the rest of her life. In Kalamazoo, Ruth raised her 4 kids. She joined and was active in the Kalamazoo French Club, loved watching and playing tennis, gardening and cooking many an incredible meal for family and friends.
Throughout her life, Ruth adored all manner of pets, including cats and dogs; spanning the spectrum from the Massey bulldog "Granna" to her most recent and devoted constant companion, a most unusual black cat named "Salem".
Eventually, Ruth obtained her real estate license and joined Ty Carter Realty. After years of hard work, many homes sold, and the brood safely launched from the home on Lorraine, Ruth and John built a home in Oshtemo, Michigan where she is reported to have scaled more than one tree with a chainsaw in hand to expedite whatever needed pruning, much to the concern of her eventual daughter-in-law, Stacy.
In retirement, Ruth and John travelled and then moved to the South of France for one year in Eze Sur Mer where their rental overlooked the Mediterranean. They eventually returned to US to rejoin their family and finally relocated to Milwaukee. Once in Milwaukee, before long, Ruth became involved with and helped grow the Alliance Francaise de Milwaukee where she taught and volunteered for many years. She also joined the Milwaukee Italian Club.
Ruth travelled back to Europe late into her life on several occasions with her best friend Genevieve Leplae and as the leader of The Pike Expedition to France of 2012. Even into her 90's, she read the New York Times cover to cover.
Ruth loved her 11 grandchildren Lauren, Danielle, David, Patrick, Ashley, Melody, Leahna, Kate, Nick, Haley and Edward. And her 7 adored great grandchildren Avery, Maddison, Kace, Kingsley, Blayklee, Ryland and Isla. Ruth was preceded in death by her husbands, Patrick Massey and John Pike, and beloved older brother Victor Scotford. Ruth is survived by her children, John (Carolyn) Massey, Beryl McCuaig, Sarah (Alan) Lafollette, and Timothy (Stacy) Pike. She is also survived by her sister Helene (Michel) Madesclaire and brother Andr? (Christiane) Labarrere, both of whom serenaded their older sister Ruth until the end. Also survived by her devoted sister-in-law June (Roger) Lean-Vercoe, and half-brothers, Donald Scotford and Gerald Scotford.
Feerick Funeral Home in Milwaukee, WI is assisting the family, (414)962-8383, www.feerickfuneralhome.com