Bertha Viola (Cushman) Ruuk

Bertha Viola(Cushman) Ruuk, 79 of Holladay, TN, passed away at Jackson Madison County Hospital with her loving family at her side on Friday, March 30, 2018. She was born June 7, 1938 in Searsmont, Maine the daughter of Lawrence and Viola(Skinner)Cushman. Bertha grew up on a farm in Searsmont along with her 12 siblings and she would take on the older brothers with her feisty spirit and they soon learned not to pick on her. She was a hard worker and when she set her mind on something with sheer stubbornness it was going to get done.  She is survived by her loving husband, Harold Ruuk; daughter Debbie Cooper and Dennis; sons Raymond Gelo and Wendy, Randall Gelo, Russell Gelo; step-son Billy Allenwood. Bertha's home was always open to anyone, if you needed a place to stay, a hot meal or just someone to talk with, Bertha was there for you. Bertha was a pioneer in the trucking world where she did team driving with her husband Harold for over 25 years before retiring. She enjoyed her family and loved to play poker and cook for them with her famous macroni and cheese or the extra spicy chex mix, if you wanted anything she would whip it up for you. She also enjoyed reading, playing games, crossword puzzles, gardening and bowling where she won many trophies.She is also survived by her grandchildren Christina Davis, Jessica Cooper, Karla Rae Gary and Shaun, Renee Dillingham and Josh, Shelby Tapley, Hannah Marez, Chris Gelo, Travis Gelo, Tyler Gelo and Haleigh, Jacob Gelo, Jawna Gelo; 21 great grandchildren; brothers John Cushman and Jody, George Cushman, David Cushman and Sylvia, Stephen Cushman and Linda, Larry Cushman and Nancy; sisters Esther Recce and Don, Ruth Merrifield, Mary Baron, Dot Sherwood and Paul, Janice Glidden and Reginald; sister-in-laws Shirley ahd Shearlene Cushman; Special niece Amber. She is preceded in death by her father, Lawrence E. Cushman, Sr.; mother, Viola E. (Skinner) Cushman; sons Jerome and Roderick Gelo; granddaughter Susie Gelo; great grandson Thaddeus Gelo; brothers Bob and Jimmy Cushman.Service will be held at 11AM on Saturday, May 5 at Oak Grove Cemetery, New England Road, Searsmont followed by a celebration of life at the Ames School. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association.