Ruth Ann SmithRuth Ann (Fleis) Smith became motivated to write a family book after being inspired by her parents' writing. Her father had written a lengthy letter containing his autobiography in 2000, and her mother's history was contained in a few pages of the Laie book from 1994. Ruth Ann had also written several family stories of her own.Ruth Ann is the oldest of twelve in the Ed and Irene Fleis family and a fourth generation descendent of the Fleis-Lamie families to live in Leelanau County, Michigan. She was a member of Holy Rosary Parish, Isadore (north of Cedar), for nearly fifty years (1945-1994).In 1994, Ruth Ann moved near the village of Suttons Bay, Michigan, after her marriage to Keith Smith. Her home parish is St. Michael the Archangel Church in Suttons Bay.Ruth Ann's favorite pastime is playing the piano and accordion, and she teaches Polish folk dances to youngsters of all ages.The most important aspect of her life was raising eight children, and having grandchildren and great-grandchildren. At the age of eighty-three, she is thankful for her faith, a strong family bond, wonderful friends, and a lasting gift of music.She hopes a member of the Fleis-Lamie family will continue writing where she left off. Read More Read Less