Ruth M. (Besselievre) Dustin

Ruth M. (Besselievre) Dustin, age 100, passed away at Cambrian Assisted Living in Tecumseh, Mich. on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023. She was born March 6, 1922 in Princeton, Minn. to Rev. William C. and Crissie M. Besselievre, the fifth of eight children.  

Ruth graduated from St. Barnabas School of Nursing in Minneapolis, Minn. in 1943. While working at Minneapolis General, she met her future husband, Richard E. Dustin, M.D.  They married in 1944, moved to Tecumseh in 1946 and started their family. Throughout her adult life, Ruth was an avid reader, was active in her church, served as a den mother while her kids were in Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, and had a great affection for cats. She loved her North Union Street neighborhood and was proud to have lived in her house there for 70 years. She was a quiet donor to those in need and had faith in individuals who struggled with life.  

She was predeceased by an infant son, Edward Donald, her husband, Richard, in 1990, by her brothers William, Allen, David, Paul, Fred and sisters Marcia Lidman and Esther McQuistion.  

Ruth is survived by her children, David Dustin of Howell, Mich.; Bill (Jennifer) Dustin of Meadville, Penn.; John Dustin of Tecumseh, Mich.; and Nancy Mate of Howell, Mich.; as well as her grandchildren Steve (Josselyn) Dustin of Richmond, Calif., Scott Dustin of Palm City, Fla, Samantha Dustin of South Haven, Mich., Thomas (Jenna) Mate of Howell, Mich., Jacob Bowman of Sweetwater, Texas, and great-grandchildren Sullivan Dustin, Levi Dustin, Andrew Mate, and Kaylee Mate.

Cremation has taken place and a family graveside service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Lenawee Humane Society, 705 W. Beecher St., Adrian, MI  49221 or Re-Tree Tecumseh, c/o Lenawee Community Fund, 1440 W. Maumee St., Adrian, MI  49221. Arrangements are under the care of the Tecumseh Chapel of Handler Funeral Homes.  Online condolences may be offered to the family at handlerfuneralhomes.com.