Ruth Crist Dyer

Ruth Crist Dyer, 99, of Chicago and long-time resident of Petoskey/Bay View and Wequetonsing, passed away on February 10, 2017 at her daughter’s home in Petoskey, surrounded by all of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.              

Ruth was born on November 28, 1917 in Chicago, the daughter of Robert Charlton Crist II and Ruth Elizabeth Victoria Wilhemina Olson. She grew up in Chicago, IL where she attended the University of Chicago Laboratory School in Hyde Park. After completion of high school she attended the University of Arizona, where she majored in science and excelled in athletics, becoming the diving champion of the Southwest. There, she met the love of her life, John W. Dyer.

Ruth was a member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority and subsequently hosted an annual panhellenic luncheon at her home in Bay View. Ruth loved nature, always leaving it better than she found it. Her love for nature is preserved in her photographs and stationery as well as in the appreciation she passed down.

Ruth was preceded in passing by her husband of 69 years, John W. Dyer, who passed away on February 8, 2012, her brother Robert Charlton Crist III who passed away September 25, 1995, and an infant great granddaughter Grace June Duran.

She is survived by 2 children, John Christopher Dyer of Chicago, IL and Jennifer Ruth Drinkall of Petoskey; 5 grandchildren, Elsa (Sekhar) Chandra, Debbie (Gil) Duran, Rev. Mark (Tanya) Drinkall, Scott Drinkall, and Roger Drinkall; 6 great grandchildren, Naathan, Mackenzie, Gavin John, Brielle, Charlotte, and Sophia.

A memorial service celebrating Ruth’s life will be held on Monday February 13 at 11 a.m. at the Emmanuel Evangelical Church in Petoskey with Rev. Mark Drinkall officiating. The family will receive friends at the church on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Contributions in memory of Ruth may be made to the Little Traverse Conservancy or Emmanuel Evangelical Church of Petoskey. 

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