Ruth DeWys

All who knew Ruth DeWys would agree that she learned early in life to find the joy in even the simple things . She cherished her family but it was her unwavering faith that was the cornerstone in her life. A lifelong member of the community she loved, Ruth touched the lives of so many others in such a special way. Life will never be the same without her here, but she leaves behind a priceless collection of memories (the quirky ones are the best) that her friends and loved ones will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

It was great to be an American during the decade that we recall as the Roaring Twenties. Innovation was leading the way to new technology that brought us things like washing machines, refrigerators, and motion pictures in both color and sound. With plentiful jobs and a strong economy, prosperity was largely felt nationwide. It was during this exciting time that William and Laura (DeGraff) DeWys were eagerly anticipating the birth of their new baby as the beauty of summer appeared in the city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, in June of 1923. Their wait was over on June 11th when the baby girl they named Ruth Jean made her grand entrance. The youngest of three, she was raised on the Northwest side of Grand Rapids alongside her brothers, Pete and Mike. Sadly, her father died after battling tuberculosis when Ruth was just a young girl of nearly three years of age. Ruth’s mother eventually married William’s widowed brother-in-law, Kryn Goudzwaard, so her six Goudzwaard cousins then became her siblings. In time, she became close with Marian, who was three years older, and they became nearly inseparable.

In many ways Ruth was a young girl of her generation. She recalled carrying a little money in her pocket and walking down Leonard Street all the way to downtown Grand Rapids (busses being too expensive). Most times, they stopped for a treat along the way. As the youngest of nine with their combined families, it was likely that Ruth was just a bit spoiled. She attended local schools including Union High School. After high school, she eventually found long-term factory work in the plant of Knape and Vogt, which is where she spent most of her working years.

Ruth and Marian lived with one another for most of their lives. It was impossible to think of one without the other since they also shared most of the same interests. Fishing was one of their most favorite activities, especially for perch off the Grand Haven pier. When they were there, they usually went to Fricano’s for pizza and refreshments. They also loved going to their father’s cabin along the Muskegon River in Stanwood, which remained in the family for years. Not only did they just love being in the midst of the beautiful surroundings, but they also loved visiting with family there. Priceless memories were made playing volleyball and walking the backroads. She and Marian always brought boxes of Cracker Jack for their nieces and nephews. Their nieces and nephews always looked forward to visits with their aunts who even referred to themselves as “unclaimed jewels.” Ruth and Marian made a point of getting to as many of the events and activities of which their nieces and nephews were a part.

Together, Ruth and Marian could be adventurous. Ruth and Marian both loved to travel, and over the years they took trips in various places in the United States, but they also traveled abroad to Europe, Japan, and Hawaii. Around home they complimented each other well as Marian took care of most of the indoor chores while Ruth took care of the outside work. Ruth came out way ahead when they moved to a condo during their later years since she pretty much cut out her share of the “chores!” Ruth was great in the kitchen and was most known for her apple bread, which she made even after moving to the Christian Rest Home. Although she was a bit of a homebody, she did enjoy driving so she drove most of the time when they went places. Ruth also loved getting a new car every few years. For the most part both Ruth and Marian were frugal, but Ruth was known to go on spending sprees every now and then.

Even when she was enjoying a quiet day at home, Ruth preferred keeping busy. She enjoyed reading, primarily fiction, doing word search and crossword puzzles, but during her sunset years she was often found with the Bible in her lap. Ruth loved playing solitaire, but she always stopped playing cards by midnight on Saturday. When Ruth was no longer able to care for Marian, Marian moved to the Christian Rest Home, but Ruth faithfully visited and often read to her there. In 2010, Ruth also moved to Edison Manor. She enjoyed her time there, and in 2011 she was deeply saddened with Marian’s death. Ruth appreciated the care and attention she received and also had some friends at the Christian Rest Home. Faith was always of the utmost importance to her, and she had most recently been a member of Walker United Reformed Church. For years they had volunteers who brought her to and from church each week.

With a life that spanned nearly a century, Ruth DeWys was a genuine blessing in the lives of so many. She worked hard, but she also took the time to enjoy life along the way. Dearly loved, she will never be forgotten, especially by nieces and nephews.

Ruth J. DeWys, age 95 passed away on February 24, 2019. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Pete and Mike DeWys; John, Pete, Elizabeth “Bessie”, and Marian Goudzwaard, Ann Jansma, Alice Cornelisse, as well as several nieces and nephews. The service to remember and celebrate her life will be held on Thursday, February 28, 2019 at 11 AM at Walker United Reformed Church, 1941 Randall NW, where friends may visit with her family from 10 AM until the service. For those who wish, memorial contributions to either Edison Christian Foundation or Walker United Reformed Church are appreciated. To read more about Ruth’s life, to share a memory or to sign her guestbook, visit www.lifestorynet.com