Ruth Patricia Klemans

RUTH PATRICIA KLEMANS

Ruth (Pat) Klemans died June 1, 2026. She is remembered as thoughtful, curious, generous, kind, keenly intelligent, and as a loving and devoted mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and great grandmother.

Pat is survived by daughters and sons-in-law Diana (Alejandro Diaz) Klemans, Mary (David) Carter and Ruth Klemans; grandchildren Mary (Jerry) Paffendorf, Lucille (Brandon Donlon) Carter, Eli (Jenny) Carter, Abigail (Daniel) Lipa, Carolina (James Riddell) Cortes, Lily (Nick) Beitz, Samuel (Amanda Pohl) Carter, Isabel (Giuseppe Alongi) Cortes, and Joseph Carter; and great grandchildren Jae Cortes, Tony Carter, Jack Carter, Patricia Lipa, Birdie Beitz, Romy Alongi, and Hector Lipa.

Pat was a proud graduate of Carnegie Mellon University (BA) and The University of Michigan (MLS). Both degrees led to fulfilling and successful careers; first as a costume designer for the Pittsburgh Playhouse, and later in several libraries in Michigan. Pat particularly loved her library career, which spanned positions in schools, local public libraries, directing Wayne County’s Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, and directing the Wayne County Library System. Never far from the theater or from her new favorite book, Pat’s careers embodied two of her life-long passions.

Pat shared her interests and her life with her family and her many friends. She was a devoted supporter of professional, academic and community theater, and introduced her family to live theater at young ages. She loved attending theater performances with her friends, particularly their annual excursions to the Stratford Festival in Ontario. Pat enjoyed playing bridge and was an avid reader, participating in several book clubs. She shared her great interest in books, reading and learning with her family throughout her life and in many ways. Pat liked to travel and shared many wonderful adventures with friends. While at home, she was always glad for the telephone and email that allowed her to stay in touch with distant, life-long friends.

A private, family memorial service and celebration of her life is planned with interment at the Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church Memorial Garden.

Donations in Pat’s memory can be made to Seedlings Braille Books for Children, PO Box 51924, Livonia, Michigan 48151-5924; https://www.seedlings.org/.