Ruthie Bell (Lucas) Hassel

After 100 years, God called home one of his precious angels on April 29, 2024, to sit by his side.  Ruthie joined Progressive Missionary Baptist Church in Benton Harbor MI, when it was under the leadership of the late Rev. Daniel E. Cook.

Ruthie was born to the late Jeff and Jennie Lucas on November 10, 1923, in Haiti, MO.  September 5, 1942. Ruthie married Willie Hassel and moved to Chicago, IL. Then in 1947, she moved to Benton Harbor Michigan.  With great sorrow, Willie preceded her in death on September 9, 1994.

As everyone knew Ruthie had a great passion for her garden and flowers, especially roses.  April of 1969 Ruthie was employed by Benton Harbor Area Schools as a bus driver, until her retirement in June 1994.  She is known by many students who would say, "Mrs. Hassel was my bus driver."

Ruthie and Willie increased their family by caring for their niece, Barbara Granger. Then increased with the birth of their 6 children:  Lawrence Hassel, Ramona Hassel, and Gary Hassel all of Benton Harbor, Sheron Joseph (Denver, CO), Tyrone Hassel Sr (Chicago, IL), and Priscilla Jones (Indianapolis, IN).

Ruthie's siblings preceded her in death, JW Lucas, Azeline Shelby, Catherine Price, Sadie Hunt, Edward Lucas, and Opal Napier making her the Matriarch of the family.

4 of Ruthie's grandsons preceded her in death Exavier Hassel, Tare' Hassel, Adrain Hassel, and Priest Granger. 2 of Ruthie's great-grandsons preceded her in death, Taleel Lamont Porter, and Tyrone Hassel III.

Ruthie leaves to mourn those in her immediate family, up to 5 generations of grand - great grand – great-great grand, and great-great-great-grandchildren.  A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many many friends

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