Josephine C. Gartee

Josephine began her journey to Heaven on November 20, 2021. She was an absolute showstopper, the life of the party, and a bright light in the lives of many. She left an imprint on this earth and though we will miss her incredibly, the sky belongs to the stars, right? Josephine was born in Eaton Rapids, Michigan on July 11, 1962. For the 59 short years that she lived on this earth, she was known to be fun, loving, and generous. She loved fiercely and was extremely loyal to her family and friends. She worked in healthcare for over 40 years as a nurse’s aide helping older adults not only in paid positions but volunteering her time and caregiving skills to help friends, family, and neighbors in need of personal care and support. She instilled a spirit of community advocacy and philanthropy in her daughters with her ongoing volunteer work to local nursing homes, Volunteer Ombudsman Program, American Red Cross, March of Dimes, and other various community events and organizations. As much as she was a lover, Josephine was also a fighter. She was fiercely protective of her privacy, space, and loved ones. If she loved you, you knew it. If she did not like you, you knew it. She was open, honest, and strong. Under her tough exterior was a woman who did not want to get older, did not want to suffer from her physically debilitating health conditions, and did not want anyone else to take care of her. She left our world peacefully & naturally from her home. She would not have had it any other way. Josephine is reunited with and preceded in death by her mother Isabel Ruiz, father Cruz G. Ruiz, sister Rita Ruiz, and lifelong love John A. Gartee. She will be remembered in love by her children: Erica Bankston (Tri), Angela Faria (Jeff), and Jessica Morrison (Josh). Her legacy carries on with her grandsons: Jeremy, Leon, Cruz, Clyde, Drake, Emmanuel, and Nico. She is survived by her brothers and sisters: Mary, Cruz (Nancy), Lupe (Mary), Pedro (Stella), Abelino (Jeanne), Tony (Minny), Kitty, and Alice. She is further survived by numerous cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends. Her daughters also would like to acknowledge some of her best friends that have been a part of their family and helped care for her & her daughters throughout their life: Verna Williams, Wayde Topsil, Jackie Snyder, and Jeff Masters. Erica, Angela, and Jessica would like to thank everyone for their continuous love and support during this incredibly difficult time. In respecting her final wishes, Josephine will be cremated and there will not be a public funeral or memorial service. If you would like to donate as her daughters handle her affairs & honor her final wishes, you can donate here: https://bit.ly/josephinegartee