Ruth Ann Dean, age 79, of Midland, MI (formerly of Howell, MI), passed away on December 8, 2023 at Cates House, Hospice of Marion County in Ocala, FL.  She was born on September 16, 1944 to Paul & Dorothy Peckens in Howell, MI.

She will always be remembered for her great love of family….and her smile, laugh, big heart, love of music and cats.

She is survived by her daughter Debbie (Terry) Starks of Freeland, MI, granddaughter Sarah Starks and her boyfriend Jake White of Freeland, MI, grandsons Landon (Yemisi) Starks of Saginaw, MI and Austin (Brittanie) Starks of Sellersburg, IN, two great-granddaughters Madelynn and Selena, brother Raymond Peckens of Lake Havasu, AZ, sisters Kathy (James) Blue of Ocala, FL, Karen (James) Perkins of Maynardville, TN and Gloria (Merle) Schrepfer of Belmont, MI, several beloved nieces and nephews and her cat, Sonny.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Paul & Dorothy Peckens, and sister-in-law Kathy Peckens.

Cremation will take place at Baldwin Brothers Funeral & Cremation in Ocala, FL.  A memorial service will take place at a later date in Michigan.

The family would like to thank the staff and volunteers of Cates House, Hospice of Marion County.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to your local hospice organization in her name.