"On behalf of the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans, we send our sympathy to Reena's family and all who loved her, along with gratitude to Reena for the wonderful care she provided to the veterans who called the D.J. Jacobetti home. "
In loving memory of
REENA ANN RUHINEN
June 18, 1941 - June 16, 2022
Reena Ann (Moir) Ruhinen, 80, of Sands Township, the bonniest lass that Scotland ever produced passed away on Thursday, June 16, 2022 at her home surrounded by her loving family and under the care of U.P. Home Health and Hospice.
Reena was born in a house named Ivy Bank in the small village of Tannadice, Angus County, Scotland on June 18, 1941. Although the village is small enough not to be included on the map, it is a charming place and her modest beginnings do not do justice to her charm and how large she was in the hearts and minds of everyone she knew.
Reena was Gary's love at first sight and they shared that love for 52 years. She was a skilled highland dancer and a practicing nurse in Scotland.
As a military wife, Reena traveled from Edzell, Scotland to Winter Harbor, ME, to Rota, Spain, Guam and Adak, AK. In 1974, she became a naturalized citizen and in 1984 she settled in the Upper Peninsula and worked at the Jacobetti Home for Veterans until retiring in 2002.
In all of her years preceding the Veteran's Home she worked as a babysitter and nanny and she often cared for as many as ten children at a time. The children adored her and it was evident that she had a profoundly positive effect on them. When she was there they were glad and if she wasn't she was missed. Her Scottish accent pleased everyone and her genuine concern for others created many strong friendships around the world. She listened more than she spoke and she always helped in every way she could.
Reena loved to travel over the Rocky Mountains to see the countryside and visit her grandchildren. She enjoyed knitting and sewing and always had a project in her hands. Reena was an avid NMU Hockey and Green Bay Packer fan and she enjoyed home flower gardening.
Reena was the second oldest of seven children and is survived by younger sisters, Ina (Alan) Butchard and Pamela (Josie) Balneaves, all of Forfar, Scotland. In the United States she is survived by her husband, Gary; son, Shawn (Jeanine); grandsons, Grayson (age 9) and Samuel (age 6); two brothers-in-law: Lincoln and Marvin; sisters-in-laws, Diane and Deborah; as well as many numerous friends.
Preceding her in death were her parents, John Moir and Betsy Carnegie Moir (Alexander); step-mother, Ann; and siblings, Margaret, Irene, Patricia and John.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 23, 2022 at 1 pm at Grace Lutheran Church with Rev. Jack Busche officiating. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service in the church. Interment will take place in Northland Chapel Gardens Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Reena's memory to the Michigan Veteran Homes D.J. Jacobetti Life Enrichment Fund, 425 Fisher St., Marquette, MI 49855.
On Earth she remains a pleasant memory, but her new life will begin in Heaven.
Canale Gwinn Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting Reena's family where memories and condolences may be shared at canalefuneral.com.
Tributes
"So sorry to hear about Reena. Our time on Adak was precious. She watched our boys for us while we were stationed their together. So happy they came to visit us in Vermont. Our thoughts are with Gary and the family. Bruce and Darlene"
"Gary and family, sincere sympathy in Rena?s passing."
"The first thing I noticed about Reena , years ago was her Scottish brogue, accompanied by her ever present smile and laugh. Through the years we shared too many fun times to recount and much laughter. Fast forward a few decades and along come Reenas grandsons, Grayson and Sam. The true pride and joy of her life, as evidenced by her tablet photos and videos and the retelling of their facetime conversations. Love knew no bounds for these boys. You are now at peace dear friend. You will never be forgotten. "
"My dearest sympathy goes out to Gary , Shaun , family , relatives and friends . Reena will be dearly missed . She was a very nice , kind hearted person . Reena has moved up to the Pearly Gates of Heaven , to serve God to be with them Guardian Angels , maybe even get them to do the Alligator Dance .God Bless all of you that knew Reena . Again my sympathy goes out to all of you . Randy , Julie Saatio and family ."