Ruth Mae Harrivel Mrs.

Ruth Mae (Borchert) Harrivel Born in Cleveland, OH on February 24, 1930 Ruth breathed her last on earth and took her first breath in heaven on December 11, 2015. Preceded in death by her parents, Arthur C & Evelyn Borchert; her siblings: Evelyn, Arthur, Roy, and Nancy; and her husband Donald Harrivel. Survived by her children: Nancy Kelley and Rick (Jean) Harrivel; grandchildren, Paul Harrivel and Justin Kelley; and great-grand daughter Nola Harrivel; along with brother-in-law, George (Elane) Harrivel; and nieces and nephews scattered from Ohio to Texas to Florida. Ruth grew up in a Parma, Ohio - Located on the southern edge of Cleveland Married to Donald C. Harrivel on June 17, 1948. They were married for 64 years. They moved from Ohio to Dallas Texas, before coming to Georgia to live in Dunwoody, then Roswell. Ruth moved to Duluth in 2012, and resided at the Parc at Duluth. Mom had an adventurous spirit and was a gifted athlete. She and Dad loved tennis, and all things water, be it snorkeling, sailing, skiing or houseboating…they loved it all! And they lived to share those experiences with their closest friends, a wonderful group of people that shared the same passion for being on the water…usually at Lake Lanier. Man, there were some great parties on “that” special island at Lanier, with a dozen boats all tied off together for a long, lazy weekend…great friends sharing great times, creating great memories! They instilled that love of the water in their kids as well. Mom could ski like a pro, and would amaze the rest of the family when she would say “see you at the bottom”…then fly down the hill! Dad was a good skier, but Mom was the real athlete of the family. Rick made the mistake of going up with them to a double black run in Colorado…of course, Mom flew down the hill, Dad sauntered…and Rick took two days to get to the bottom! They started skiing in their early sixties, and enjoyed it into their late seventies…amazing. She and Dad enjoyed going out dancing – they could really “swing”. She loved to travel, and she and Dad did a ton of it throughout their lives. They both so believed in “experiencing” life, living in the moment, and sharing life with those they loved. She and Dad often ventured out to experience the world by horseback or rafting or snorkeling or hiking. Mom was an avid reader and enjoyed playing cards – being involved with several bridge clubs (as she used to say… “When we’re at your house, we’ll play by your rules”). Mom and Dad were wonderful entertainers, and loved throwing parties and dinners of all kinds with many different people…life then was about experiencing things together, in community, and being gracious and hospitable…Mom excelled at it. So it was natural that in Rick’s senior year of high school, they welcomed a Swedish exchange student into their home…to this day, Lars is every bit as much a part of the family as Nancy and Rick…and that’s truly how both Mom and Dad felt for the rest of their lives…they loved him like he was their very own son. And Lars never doubted that. She got actively involved in the Parc community-life – welcoming new residents, playing cards, getting dressed up for dinners, happy hours, parties, dances, and going to shows and other various outings. She liked meeting people and socializing–never knowing a stranger. Ruth lived out her faith in the Lord by serving others. She was usually 30 minutes early to church for worship. She served as a greeter, helped on the alter guild, and assisted with collating the bulletin over the years. She reveled in being needed and helpful. Her faith was always strong, and she knew exactly where this journey would end. She has now been made whole physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually…. Memorial gifts can be made to Marines Toys for Tots in lieu of flowerw www.toysfortots.org Ruth’s faith is now sight!