LANSING – Ruth Hallman, 76, was a lot of things. Leader in the embattled Genessee Neighborhood on Lansing's near west side, mother of Lansing city council at-large member Carol Wood, and a staunch no nonsense opponent of drug dealers and drug houses.
She is now a murder victim. Hallman was found at 10:30 am July 26 in her home, violently bludgeoned. After 5 days on life support in the intensive care unit at Sparrow Hospital, her family decided to remove her from the machines.
Lansing City Council member Brian Jeffries, acting as a spokesperson for the family, announced the activist's passing. "Despite the heroic efforts of an outstanding team of experts at Sparrow Hospital and her own amazing personal and spiritual strength, the family made the difficult decision to take Ruth off life support yesterday so she could make her final journey home in peace and tranquility, surrounded by her loving family and closest friends."
A memorial service for the neighborhood leader who has been credited with cleaning up a neighborhood once festering with drugs, violent crime and prostitution, will be held on Wednesday at First Presbyterian Church, 510 Ottawa Street, at 10 a.m. A graveside service will follow at Lansing's Evergreen Cemetary.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks those interested to make donations to the Ruth Hallman Fund for Neighborhoods, a new fund set up in the city of Lansing. Donations can be sent to City of Lansing Ruth Hallman Fund, c/o Jim DeLine, Lansing City Hall, 120 W. Michigan Avenue Lansing Michigan 48933.
Police have issued a reward of $6,500 for information leading to the arrest and convicition of those responsible for the murder. They say they are following some strong leads, and the Michigan State Police crime lab is assisting in processing crime scene information.
Murder victim was strong opponent of drug dealers
Read More
Why the Upcoming Michigan Supreme Court Race Is Vital to the LGBTQ+ Community
If anyone doubts the importance of Michigan’s Supreme Court race this November, and the massive impact it can have on our state’s LGBTQ+ residents, [...]
Meet Your Gaming Neighbor: Angela Washko Joins University of Michigan Arts Scene
Somewhere, a track coach is barking something — maybe motivational, definitely deafening — into the ear of a college freshman. If she listens [...]
Summer Books That’ll Have You Feeling a Sense of Pride
Embrace the vibrant spectrum of LGBTQ+ experiences this Pride Month with our curated list of enlightening reads for readers of all ages. From stirring memoirs [...]
Supreme Court to Consider Challenge to Tenn. Law Challenging Gender-Affirming Case for Minors
Washington Blade, Courtesy of the National LGBT Media AssociationThe U.S. Supreme Court on Monday agreed to consider a challenge to a Tennessee law that bans [...]
The Case for Queer Summer Camps
In the summer of 2015, I worked as a camp counselor in northern Michigan. It was one of the most enriching summers of my life. Despite the overriding [...]
Gov. Whitmer Honors Pride at Governor's Mansion with Michigan Leaders — and a Drag Queen! — in Attendance
On June 20 in Lansing, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer hosted a momentous Pride celebration at the Governor's Mansion, bringing together legislators, activists [...]
