Ruth Elaine Hesselink

With a life that spanned times of war and peace, plenty and want, grief and boundless joy, Ruth Hesselink kept her gaze fixed on what mattered most through all the ups and downs: family, friends, and faith. She was always willing to go above and beyond to care for those around her, giving freely of her time and energy in service to others. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Ruth cherished each moment spent with her family. Her insatiable zest for life was contagious to all who were near. Already so greatly missed, Ruth will be forever loved and remembered.

The early 1930s were difficult years for many living in the United States. The Great Depression was a heavy burden on the shoulders of countless Americans following the historic crash of the stock market a few years before. During such a dark time, it was important to find happiness in the simple joys of life. Nowhere was there more to celebrate than in the household of Clifford and Rachel (Norquist) Crispin of Newaygo, Michigan, as they excitedly announced the arrival of their new baby. Born on December 2 of 1933, Ruth Elaine joined the Crispin family as the youngest of five children.

Ruth would always look back on her childhood with fondness. She was raised in the family home in Ensley Center alongside her older siblings, Colleen, Elouise, Lawrence, and Katheryn. Ruth’s value on family took root when she was just a girl. She was especially close with Katie, and they liked to play house and make dollhouses out of cardboard together. The two would share a lifelong bond. Ruth’s father, Clifford, worked the land as a farmer while her mother, Rachel, was a schoolteacher, first at a one-room schoolhouse in Ensley Center and later at the elementary school in Grant. Throughout Ruth’s formative years, holidays were always spent with family. The Crispins enjoyed a train trip up to Canada through the Agawa Mountains, as well as another memorable trip to Niagara Falls in New York.

Growing up, Ruth attended Ensley Center Elementary School. She was also an active member of Ensley Center Baptist Church, along with her family. Ruth looked forward to spending her Wednesday nights roller skating at the Hess Lake Roller Rink. She enjoyed ice skating in the winter as well. In 1952, Ruth was crowned the Onion Queen by the current Michigan representative who would go on to become the President of the United States, Gerald Ford himself! Throughout her years attending Grant High School, Ruth played trumpet in the high school band and marching band. She graduated as valedictorian in 1952, eager to see what the future held.

A new chapter was about to unfold in Ruth’s life as she met the young man who would forever hold the key to her heart. His name was Herbert Hesselink, and the two first met on a double date—though both Ruth and Herb were on the date with other people! Still, sparks flew between them, and it wasn’t long before Herb gave Ruth a call. Their relationship flourished, and they quickly fell head over heels in love. After Herb was discharged from the United States military in 1953, the two were united in marriage at Burton Heights Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids on September 17, 1954. The newlyweds then celebrated with family and friends at a dinner and reception before taking off on their honeymoon to Niagara Falls.

Much to Ruth’s delight, her family soon began to grow. She and Herb welcomed their first son, David, into their hearts and home in 1955, followed by Daniel in 1957 and finally Timothy in 1959. Ruth thrived in her role as a mother. Her boys were her greatest pride and joy. Cooking wasn’t Ruth’s favorite, but she always made sure her family was provided for, and she was famous for her rainbow Jello and Sunday roasts. Later in life, she was thrilled to become a grandmother to Rachel, Matthew, Rebecca, Sarah, and Nathan, as well as a great-grandmother to Florence and Juniper. Ruth considered herself deeply blessed to be surrounded by so many loved ones.

Outside of the home, Ruth worked in a doctor’s office and as a secretary for Jostin Class Rings Company. She also volunteered her time at her church home, Riverside Christian Reformed. Ruth was always willing to help out with Bible studies, Girl Scouts, and any treasury work that needed to be handled. Over the years, she and Herb traveled to beautiful Hawaii over 20 times. They enjoyed golfing, and Kauai was their favorite island to visit. Ruth and Herb would often meet up with friends from church there as well. In her free time, she loved listening to Hawaiian folk songs and reading Hawaiian books. Ruth was the kind of woman who always made sure she was put together. Her favorite restaurant was Mr. Fables, and she had a wicked sweet tooth when it came to ice cream.

When we gather to reflect on the life of Ruth Hesselink, it is easy to celebrate a woman who brought so much light and joy into the lives of all those around her. She was a constant source of strength, no matter the circumstances, and she exemplified what it meant to follow faithfully after the Lord she loved. Ruth took every chance to hold her friends and family close. Her generosity has left an unforgettable impact on so many, and she was a powerful role model of kindness, humility, and grace. Although life will never be the same without Ruth here, she leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that her loved ones will be able to hold near and dear to their hearts.

Ruth Elaine Hesselink of Grand Rapids, Michigan, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

Ruth was born in Newaygo County, Michigan in 1933 to the late Clifford and Rachel [Norquist] Crispin.

Along with her parents, She is preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Herbert H. Hesselink who died in 2008 as well as by her sisters Colleen Abrahams and Kathryn VanKoevering.

Ruth is survived by her children: David (Laurie) Hesselink, Daniel Hesselink, Timothy (Barbara) Hesselink, grandchildren Rachel (James), Matthew (Bri), Rebecca, Sarah and Nathan (Ally) and great grandchildren Florence and Juniper as well as by her brother Larry Crispin, sister Elouise Hubbell and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the North End Chapel, formerly Riverside Christian Reformed Church, (604 Comstock Blvd. NE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49505) with Pastor Ben Browneye officiating. Visitation will take place prior to the service beginning at 10:00 AM.

Ruth will be laid to rest next to Herbert in Fairplains Cemetery in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to North End Chapel Memorial Fund or to Faith Hospice would be appreciated.