President of the Genesee Neighborhood Association
Ruth Hallman wears many hats in the Lansing community and is known far and wide by a number of accomplishments, but the softer quite spirit that moves through the neighborhood many times not known by all but felt by many in need.
Ms. Hallman takes those who can not drive to the store, picking them up in all kinds of weather and then helping to get their groceries into the house; along with filling the lists of others who can not leave their homes.
She has taken neighbors to doctors and dentist appointments; and held hands during procedures and filled prescriptions on the way home. It is nothing to her to take time at night to bring supper to a sick friend or to call to make sure they are tucked in for the night.
Recycling books to magazines for those who cannot afford them and keeping a list of favorite authors on hand so when visiting the second hand book store or a rummage sale is quick to add to the treasurers Ms. Hallman has for others.
She prides herself with the ability to pick up a blouse or suit at the Goodwill that is just right for their neighbor for that Sunday service or upcoming graduation and then worked many hours into the night to shorten the pants or change the buttons just so they will look their best for the event of a life time.
The aroma of breads fill the house as Ms. Hallman makes her way to neighbors with small gifts to fill the heart and warm bread to fill the soul, and she will continues to touch lives.
Ms. Hallman has brightened lives, changed hearts, and delivered a timely and much needed measure of brotherhood in the Genesee neighborhood. She was the recipient of the 2007 Bea Christy Award that honors individual who give to their community.
Ms. Hallman has been active member of Grace Lutheran, which across the street from her home. She has served on a number of church committee and continues to be a helping hand.
She has been a moving force in the adoption of the Stalker Legislation with the State of Michigan, Nuisance Property Ordinance with the City of Lansing, and Housing Code revisions to help her neighborhood and countless others.
Ms. Hallman and husband Carl (deceased) moved into the neighborhood in 1959. Where she raised three children, and is a grandmother of four, and great grandmother of two.
