Ruth Lindhout

Ruth H. Lindhout exhibited a kind graciousness in all that she did. She was the best mother her loving children could have been blessed with, and her proper demeanor and understanding ways were an example for all. She had a quiet faith that instilled strength, and the kindness shown in her smile was evident in her devotion to her Lord. She will be fondly remembered and forever missed.

Seeking a life of hope and promise, young Arnold Sonneveldt set out for America in 1897 after immigrating from Netherlands, placing the past behind him. Settling in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Arnold and his wife Cora (De Korne) Sonneveldt began Buttercup Bakery in 1905. The name, derived from a favorite field of flowering Buttercup flowers, was later renamed Arnie’s Bakery, becoming a popular northwest city landmark. It was here that Ruth’s story began during a decade of great expansion and growth within in the U.S. Arnold and Cora celebrated the blessing of new life when on August 5, 1922 they welcomed the birth of Ruth into their lives. One of ten children, Ruth had two siblings that died quite young, and she was fortunate to have a mother who stayed home to care for her large family. Her father learned to speak English early on, and never permitted Dutch to be spoken in his home.

Making their home on Powers Street on the northwest side of Grand Rapids, their busy household, consisting of two boys and six girls, did most everything together and was a very close knit family. Eventually moving to 2320 Leonard Street NW, holidays became a special time in the Sonneveldt family and memorable family vacations were spent in their rented cottage, “Hanna-Jane” each summer in Grand Haven. Many of Ruth‘s fondest memories were made spending time at the beach. She went to Stocking Street School, later graduating from Union High School in 1940. With her studies and work in the family bakery, Ruth never had much free time to participate in extra school activities. She learned to value and respect hard work while working alongside her family and it was through these values and work ethic that Ruth acquired a great sense of optimism at a young age. Her “whatever it takes” attitude remained with her throughout her life. Raised in faith, the family attended Ottawa Street Church.

It was through church that Ruth met and began dating a handsome young man named Russell Lindhout. Not allowed to marry until she was 20, they courted for two years before being blessed as husband and wife in the home of Ruth‘s parents on August 20, 1942. The young couple honeymooned in Chicago, Illinois where they stayed at the Drake Hotel before Russ needed to return home to his job as a tool and die maker in the auto industry. With World War II raging overseas, Russ enlisted in the U.S. Marines to use his skills to become a machinist, and it was no doubt disappointing when he was called to serve in the infantry. While he was in training, Ruth followed her beloved husband out to Oceanside, California where they lived for a year until Russ was shipped out and Ruth returned home to Grand Rapids.

Once the war ended, the two were reunited and soon began a family. Ruth loved staying at home with her two children Jim and Laurel until they became older and were in school. She then went to work at the family bakery where she remained for the following 25 years. In 1960, the family began attending and became quite involved at their church, Free Methodist Church. Cherishing her role as mother, Ruth took an active role in the lives of her children and became involved in school committees and the PTA. Ruth no doubt had a knack for baking and loved time spent in the kitchen making cakes, pies and pastries and cooking delicious meals for her family. Her tradition of a large Sunday dinner together with buttermilk cake for dessert was her specialty. She also canned fruits and vegetables. Being the domestic woman that she was, Ruth became quite crafty throughout the years and took to sewing beautiful clothing for her daughter and her dolls.

As a young girl, Ruth had a close knit group of six friends that remained together through thick and thin. As each friend married, they began raising their families together, enjoying camping trips each summer up north and Canada as well as other states. The group continued getting together once a month for over 60 years. Not only did Ruth love and enjoy her longtime friends, but the families remained close over the years where dear friendships were also formed among their spouses and children.

After retiring, Russ and Ruth enjoyed traveling to Hawaii, Alaska and Florida along with many trips up north. Not much of a reader, she did treasure time spent reading her Bible and kept its teachings close to her heart in quiet faith. She also loved all the hymns sung in church and those from her youth. With her dedication and giving heart, she devoted herself wholly to her family whom she loved deeply. Ruth’s optimism allowed her to be quite accepting of others as she led through example, committed to those around her as she appreciated other opinions, was accepting of change, and took an interest in new ideas. Most importantly, Ruth devoted her life to serving her Lord. On Sunday, August 23, 2009, Ruth sadly died at the age of 87. Her kindness and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Russell Lindhout on March 15, 2005. Surviving are her children, James and Marcy Lindhout of Rockford, Laurel and Peter Northouse of Ann Arbor; grandchildren, Cate and Tim Wondergem, Ashley Whitmore, Scott Northouse, and Lisa Northouse; great-granddaughter, Madison Machala; her sister, Jean Carlen and sister-in-law, Esther Sonneveldt. A service to remember Ruth’s life will be held on Tuesday, August 25, 2009, 1:30 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Relatives and friends may meet her family at the funeral home on Monday from 7-9 PM and one hour prior to the service from 12:30 to 1:30. The family would like to thank the staff at the Christian Rest Home for their compassionate care where contributions in Ruth’s memory may be made. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to submit a photo, memory or to sign the online guest register.