Ionia County MI Archives Obituaries.....Wawiernia, RuthAnn "Charlie" (Spencer) February 8, 2026 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Patricia Currigan currigan1932@concast.net May 29, 2026, 7:04 pm Hasting's Reminder - Sat. February 14, 2026 RUTH ANN "CHARLIE" WAWIERNIA, the caretaker of the family, died Sunday February 8, 2926. Charlie age 73, of Nashville, MI was born November 21, 1952 in Ionia,MI, to Jack & Ardeth (Geier) Spencer. RuthAnn, affectionately known as "Charlie" and lovingly called "Gramma Chuck", was the heart and caretaker of her family and all who were fortunate enough to have know her. A devoted wife, mother, and the unforgettable "Gramma Chuck," she believed that by living her fully in those roles her life's wishes had been fulfilled. She gave 110% support to her children and stood behind Tony no matter what he was involved in. Her presence brought love, laughter, and light, and her voice could always be heard as the loudest cheer in the stands at sporting events. A passionate fan, she faithfully supported her favorite teams-Penn State and any teams the grandkids played on-with enthusiasm and pride. Charlie's true career was being a Gramma, a role she embraced with unmatched joy & devotion. She loved cooking big meals filled with comfort food, and no one ever left her table without leftovers in hand.Her home, fondly known as the "Kool-Aid house," was a welcoming place for family, friends and neighborhood kids alike. Creative & nurturing, she enjoyed knitting & crafting, tending to her flower gardens, and caring for her beloved succulent farm. She also had a special love for Christmas, delighting in the warmth, traditions, and togetherness it brought. Whether caring for family, friends, or the troubled students she took under her wing while overseeing the in-school suspension program, Charlie lived a life defined by generosity, warmth, and unwavering love-a legacy that will be treasured always. Charlie is survived by her husband of 51 years, Tony; daughter, Brandy (Brian) Garrett, and sons, Trevor, (Samantha) Wawiernia, and Timothy (Gabrielle)Wawiernia; grandchildren, Chloe Garrett, Sebastian Garrett, Emma Garrett, Charles Garrett, Sawyer Wawiernia, Trapper Wawiernia, Harper Wawirnia, an Owen Wawiernia; and siblings, Karen (Garry) Brodbeck & Larry (Deb) Spencer. She was preceded in death by her parents, and nephews, Jack Spencer and Andy Spencer. Friends are encouraged to support Charlie's family by attending visitation or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family greeted guests at visitation on Thursday, Feb.12 and Friday, Feb.13 from 6-8 p.m. A Memorial Wake will be held in the summer at a place and time to be announced. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Charlie's tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggest memorial contributions to the Maple Valley Memorial Scholarship Fund designed for Pathway Students. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/mi/ionia/obits/w/wawierni49400nob.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/mifiles/ File size: 3.6 Kb