Patricia Ann (Horton) Ruhlman Messink

Patricia Horton Ruhlman Messink, 90, of East Jordan died on Monday, September 1, 2025, in Charlevoix. 

She was born on March 24, 1935, in North Branch, Michigan the daughter of William and Jean (Borowski) Horton. 

She married Robert Ruhlman on January 16, 1954, in North Branch, and they moved to East Jordan in 1962. He preceded her in death on May 31, 1989.  

She married Roy Messink on July 8, 2000, in East Jordan. He preceded her in death on June 27, 2025. 

She was also preceded in death by her parents, sister, Virginia Cecil, brother, Claude Horton; step son, Christian Bruce Messink; two step grandsons, Michael Messink and Kyle Symonds; one step  daughter-in-law, Pam Messink.

Pat started her formal education at a one-room schoolhouse in North Branch, Michigan.  She had many fond memories of her schooling. She was a cheerleader and a proud graduate of North Branch High in 1953. She always looked forward to attending the annual alumni reunion. 

Pat had many jobs in her lifetime. She loved telling stories of being a telephone operator and the first hand information she received while making the phone connections. When she moved to East Jordan she became an Avon Lady and made many meaningful friendships and kept the family stocked up with lots of Avon products. She retired from East Jordan Public Schools in 1996 after many years as a teacher’s aid. Many of her students still affectionately refer to as Mrs. Ruhlman. 

She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. 

Pat lived life to the fullest. She was a strong woman described as the life of the party. She was always laughing and enjoying life! She had many hobbies and interests including playing cards, traveling, dancing, and gardening. She stayed fit throughout the years with fitness classes, walking competitively in the Mackinaw Island race, and winning the Charlevoix 5k at age 80. She loved talking/bragging about her children, even to her other children. While married to Bob they took numerous road trips across the country visiting their children and grandchildren. She and Roy traveled the world on multiple cruises.

After retirement Pat spent winters in Zephyrhills, Florida where she resided at Country Aire Village. She was very involved in her park community including serving on multiple committees, swimming in the pool, playing cards, attending dances, and hosting happy hours.

Pat is survived by her seven children Michael (Barbara) Ruhlman, Charlevoix, Michigan; Jeani Mead, Zephyrhills, Florida; Roberta (Robert) Nemecek, East Jordan, Michigan; Denise (James) Brown, East Jordan; Mary Damery, Ossineke, Michigan; Tony (Melanie) Ruhlman, Marietta, South Carolina; Renee (Ben) Ruhlman, Benkelman, Nebraska; grandchildren, Melissa Ruhlman, Andrea (Jacob) Buttermore, Sarah (Mike) Ruhlman, Ryan (Carrie) Mead, Stephanie Mead, Andrew (Allie) Nemecek, James (Justine) Brown, Erin Damery, Julie (Mark) Bernier, Charlie Ruhlman, Olivia Ruhlman, Henry Blecha, and Hattie Blecha; great grandchildren, Wayne, Anabelle, Adalei, Bradley, Eleanor, Leah, Ralph, Riona, Remy, and Brady; step-children Karen (Lee) Symonds, Brian (Emma) Messink, and Barry (Alexis) Messink; step-grandchild Andi (Phil) Parr; step-great-grandchild Benson Parr; brother, Virgil Horton.

Funeral mass will be held on Friday, September 5, 2025, at 12:00 Noon at St. Joseph Catholic Church in East Jordan.

Visitation will be held on Thursday from 3:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the Penzien Funeral Homes, Inc., East Jordan.  Memorials may be directed to St. Joseph Catholic Church, East Jordan.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Patricia Ann (Horton) Ruhlman Messink, please visit our floral store.