Ruth Ann Zabel

Ruth Ann Zabel, 88, of Three Oaks, passed suddenly, Sunday, February 1, 2026, in the presence of her family.

Her life began May 20, 1937 in Michigan City, Indiana the middle of three children born to Wilbur and Ruth Warren. She married Chuck Zabel July 17, 1954 in Three Oaks, Michigan. After sixty-nine years together he preceded her in death.           

   Ruth Ann’s whole life was her husband and her family; selflessly caring for those around her. She cared for her parents, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was dedicated to taking care of her husband, making sure he was happy, healthy, and well fed.

   Ruth Ann was very humble, thinking of others before herself. She was an avid baker, making cookies daily to share with her children, grandchildren, and Chuck and his customers. Ruth Ann attended all of the sports her children and grandchildren were involved in: baseball, softball, basketball, volleyball, cross country, etc. She was proud of achieving her GED at forty, celebrating alongside her children when they graduated college.           

Ruth Ann will be greatly missed by family and friends. She is survived by one daughter, Sheri (Vern) Watkins of Three Oaks, three sons, Terry (Linda) Zabel of Grand Rapids, Chuck (Tammy) Zabel of Three Oaks, and Denny (Valerie) Zabel of Three Oaks, ten grandchildren, Crystal, Kirsten, Tony, Keith, Kevin, Jan, Quinn, Melissa, Chelsea, and Nicole, and sixteen great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, one sister Carol Conway and one brother Bruce Warren.

Honoring Ruth Ann's wishes, family and friends will gather Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. for a graveside service in Posey Chapel Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest with her husband. 

The family prefers contributions in memory of Ruth Ann be made to Three Oaks Baseball Association, Post Office Box 104, Three Oaks, Michigan 49128 or to River Valley Sunshine Softball, 106 Chestnut Street, Three Oaks, Michigan 49128.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals Pobocik Chapel, Three Oaks. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.

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