Frances Ann Ruel, age 94, passed away peacefully August 4, 2026, in New Hampshire.

Frances was born December 27, 1931, in Pittsburgh PA, the daughter of the late Florence and George Butler.

Frances, also known to many as "Ann", lived a full and happy life.  Her family moved to Miami FL when she started 3rd and graduated high school at Miami Edison High School in 1949.  She called living in Miami, the glory days. At 19 years old, she moved back to New Hampshire where many of her relatives' lives, and met her husband, Richard, at a square-dancing event.  Richard was studying medicine at Dartmouth College and after completing medical school at Harvard University, Frances and Richard moved their growing family to Detroit, MI for Richard to complete his residency as a physician.  They raised 8 children in Farmington Hills, MI.  Frances had a long career as a housewife, giving all her love and attention to her children.  Due to a diagnosis of epilepsy at age 18, she had lost her driver's license. She then developed a love for gardening and nature in her own yard and joined gardening clubs.  She and Richard also had a love for music and were members of several local community choruses.  Frances was a beautiful singer and often had solos at church and in the chorus.

Frances and Richard traveled the world together to places like Egypt, Switzerland, Ireland, and Hawaii.  She also had a love for the mountains and spent many hiking days in the mountains of New Hampshire and Vermont, even climbing Mt. Washington several times.

Frances was known for her positive attitude, always smiling and ready to have fun and play at any time. Her family spent many family gatherings playing cards.  Nothing stopped her from having fun well into her nineties.  If you were fortunate enough to meet her, she would have left a lasting impression on you.

Frances is survived by her 7 children Sue Garcia (Bob), Barbara Ruel, Christine Carnovale, Catherine Keoshian, Richard Ruel, Jr. (Connie), Ellen Cairns (Ron), Michael Ruel (Wanda), 13 grandchildren Jeremy Riley, Robby Garcia, Coreen Penniman, Eddie Rowady, Louisa Carnovale, Tina Bradford, Raquel Ruel, Derek Ruel, Ryan Cairns, Kelly Adamski, Haley Cairns, Austin Ruel, Taylor Ruel; 18 great grandchildren Katlyn Riley, Kapri Riley, Camden Petzinger, Frankie Penniman, Maggie Penniman, Vonn Kilgore, Bennett Bradford, Mason Schneider, Rowan Schneider, Arianna Brak, Lily Brak, Kaynin Cairns, Daxon Cairns, Caitlynn Eldridge, Mackenzie Adamski, Hudson Adamski, Skylar Ruel, Lily Ruel

Sadly, she is preceded in death by her husband, Richard Ruel, son Joseph Ruel, grandchild Kari Cairns, sister Lois Johnston and brother George Butler, Jr.

A funeral service for Frances will be Friday, August 14, 10:30 am, Cornerstone Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 9455 Hilton Rd, Brighton, MI, 48114, her family will receive guests beginning at 9:30 am.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to these favorite charities of Frances: Audobon Society , Heritage Foundation or Tunnel To Towers Foundation .  If you do wish to send flowers, please send them directly to the church for the Friday service.

Please keep the entire Ruel family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.