Ruth Lakatos

Photography by Michael Teaford

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I was born and raised in Western Michigan, oldest daughter of Fred and Alice Szot, third in line of seven brothers and one sister. Music has been a major part of my life from grade school band through high school. My mother was an accomplished pianist so I always had music to sing with. I never sang in the school choirs because the classes were always full, so I would end up in an art class somewhere. That didn’t stop me from singing. In high school I picked up a guitar and found a new way to express myself in song.

After high school, I attended Muskegon Business College and married my high school sweetheart. John and I have been married for thirty years. We have two grown sons, our oldest teaches culinary arts at the college level, is married to a beautiful elementary school teacher and have given us two wonderful grandsons. Our youngest son works at one of Michigan’s largest power plants. He will be getting married next July, to a beautiful massage therapist that has a three year old daughter. We will be clearing our calendar for that event.

I played in a few bands prior to forming Patchwork Band in 1998. My biggest claim to fame was playing private Christmas Parties for John Engler when he held the Govenor’s office for the state of Michigan. When that band broke up I took formal voice training. That was a very humbling experience, but I think it has paid off . I know how to breath, and that’s what singing is all about.

Today I live in a beautiful area in West Michigan known as Robinson Township, 13 miles east of the incredibly beautiful Lake Michigan, just southeast of the city of Grand Haven, which is better known as Coast Guard City U.S.A, and home of the worlds largest musical fountain.

Out in my neck of the woods, during the summer when I’m not rehearsing, playing, or writing music, you can find me outside working in my yard, camping, catching some sun on the back of my husbands boat, or at the zoo or neighborhood park with my grandkids. Other times I’ll be in my fun room at home adding pages to my scrapbooks, making jewelry, rubber stamping, or playing scrabble with anyone who will let me win. If the Detroit Tigers are on TV – you can bet I’ll be watching my favorite team! When fall rolls around again I’ll be back to work driving bus #18 for Grand Haven Area Public Schools. I’ve been doing that going on eighteen years now. Time sure does fly when you’re having fun… I was the Secretary for the West Michigan Bluegrass Music Association for three years (from 2004 to 2007) but I gave up my position to make more time for music. Patchwork Band has been a wonderful experience for me. What makes it even more special is that I share all this fun with my husband. I am so blessed to be doing what I love to do with such great people. Terry and Bryan are both great guys and their wives are terrific ladies…and I just couldn’t ask for anything more.