Charlotte Ruth Binder, age 88, passed away November 19, 2025 after a long and happy life. “Ruthie” was born in Portland, Oregon in 1937. After graduating from Milwaukie Union High School, Ruth and her sister Alice drove off on an adventure to see the country. They got as far as Los Angeles before running out of money. There, they got jobs, and Ruth met the love of her life, Dean “Bill” Binder, a sailor stationed in Long Beach. Four children, a switch to being called “Charlotte,” and many moves around the country, they found their forever home in Tecumseh, Michigan in 1968. Charlotte enjoyed bowling, golf, pinochle, euchre, sewing, crocheting, painting, and listening to music. Family and friends were her greatest loves. She found great joy in cooking, baking, hosting enormous Thanksgiving dinners (the more, the merrier!), the Friday afternoon golf group, and just spending time with people.
She never lost her sense of adventure. She and Dean motor-homed around the continent (often with sister Alice and her husband Dave), visiting all 50 states and all but one Canadian province.
She is survived by her pesky little brother Larry; her children William (Cheryl), Matthew (Cindy), Connie (Sean), and Benjamin (Maryann); her grandchildren lan, Stacie, Michael, Jessica, Nora, Kevin, Robert, Kendra, Megan, Ashley, Adam, and Caitlin; and 20 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Dean; her brothers, Roy and Robert; and her sister Alice.
Her paintings, her recipes, and a few of her crocheted scrubbies live on. But, perhaps her greatest legacy is the kindness, spirit of adventure, and can-do attitude she passed on to her family.
Visitation will be held at Purse & Son Funeral Home, 210 W. Pottawatamie St., Tecumseh, Michigan 49286 on Saturday, December 6, 2025 from 3:00 – 6:00 PM
A memorial picnic and celebration will be held at a later date.
Condolences may be offered online at: GILPURSEANDSON.COM