Ruth Post

Ruth Post lived life with unwavering strength and unconditional love for her family. She was well known for her solid work ethic, and she truly enjoyed making friends and interacting with others. Ruth was always willing to serve those in need, and she poured her heart and soul into all that she did. Forever loved and treasured, she will be deeply missed.

Although the 1930s were largely defined by the hardships of the Great Depression, there was much to celebrate in the lives of Ambrose and Cleo (Weber) Post as they eagerly awaited the birth of their new baby as the beauty of spring began to unfold in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in April of 1930. Their wait was over when the baby girl they named Ruth drew her first breath on April 29th that year.

Growing up, Ruth was a typical young girl of her generation in many ways. She was raised in the family home as the middle of five children. Ruth’s father supported his family by working as a photo engraver for Grand Rapids Herald, while Ruth’s mother remained close to home and dedicated herself to raising her children. Ruth earned the name “Midge” at a young age due to her short height. This nickname would follow her for her entire life, and she would later be known as “Aunt Midge.” Ruth grew up alongside her siblings, Joseph, Kathryn, David, and Esther. The Post children became very close over the years. Though they sometimes fought, as all siblings do, they were always able to be there for each other when it truly mattered.

When the Great Depression was in full swing and Ruth was only three years old, her father bought property on 4 Mile Road, NW. The new house was on a farm, so all of the children had chores to do. Ruth especially enjoyed the garden work. The Post family often enjoyed taking vacations to Glen Lake, the backdrop of many priceless memories. They were members of Free Reformed Church on Scribner. While pursuing her education, Ruth attended Millpond School through the eighth grade, then continued on to graduate from Comstock Park High School in 1947. Chasing further knowledge, she studied biology at Calvin College and graduated in 1951, ready to move on to bigger and better things.

Throughout her life, Ruth’s strong work ethic never failed her. She first began supporting herself by taking a job with Marathon Oil, where she worked in the office. Ruth later worked at Owen Corning as an administrative assistant in the local sales office. She went on to work for Lumberman’s Building Materials and remained there for the rest of her career. A serving member of her community, Ruth also spent time volunteering at the library, the Alpine Historical Center, and Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, where she even learned how to use a computer.

All who knew Ruth can surely agree that, of all the things she loved in life, she treasured her family above all else. She took care of her parents as they got older, and in later years she began caring for her sister, Kathryn, as well. The two sisters complemented each other very well. While Kathryn enjoyed spending time in the kitchen and cooking for the two of them, Ruth liked to work outside, mow the lawn, and tend to the vegetable garden. She also did whatever driving they needed. Ruth and Kathryn enjoyed traveling together as well. They usually took car trips, but they enjoyed taking the train at times, too. The sisters would often head out West during the summer to spend time on a dude ranch. They loved the Grand Rapids Symphony and were season ticket holders for over 50 years, and they also enjoyed attending operas at the theater. Ruth considered herself blessed to watch her family grow to include several beloved nieces and nephews. She regularly enjoyed visiting the family cottage on Crystal Lake and spending time with her loved ones. Ruth was a very social woman who enjoyed engaging with those around her, and over the years she formed many lasting friendships.

Never one to sit still for long, Ruth pursued several hobbies to stay busy in her free time. She loved golfing, usually at Gracewil Golf Course, which was near her home. Ruth was an avid sports fan who liked to watch and listen to the Detroit Tigers, and in the fall she enjoyed college football as well. If Ruth was working, her mother would record the stats while she listened to the game, and Ruth would review it when she came home. She was never one to quickly throw something away if it could be reused. Ruth’s faith was very important to her, and she remained a member of the Free Reformed Church. She was always willing to donate her time and resources to those who needed a helping hand.

As her family and friends can attest, Ruth Post truly understood the secret to a life well lived. She was a constant source of strength, even in the most difficult of times. She had a witty sense of humor. Nothing brought Ruth more joy than spending time with those she loved. She worked tirelessly to build others up and continually offered encouraging words. Her family will cherish the poems she wrote for them. Though she will be dearly missed, Ruth leaves behind a priceless legacy that her loved ones will be proud to carry on in her footsteps.

Post, Ruth Lorraine, age 92 of Grand Rapids, passed away Wednesday, August 10, 2022. She was born to Ambrose and Cleo (Weber) Post on April 29, 1930 in Grand Rapids. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; brother Joseph (Joellen) Post; sister, Kathryn Post; and brother-in-law George A. Erhart. She is survived by her brother, David (Lois) Post of Bethlehem, PA and Esther Erhart of Rockford; nieces, Betsy (Steve) Diamond of Barrington IL, Debra Post of Rumson NJ and Karen (Al Sanchez) Post of Denver CO; and several great nieces and nephews. Her family thanks the care staff at Vista Springs Northview. The service to remember and celebrate Ruth’s life will be held on Monday, August 15, 2022 at 11 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Van Strien Creston Chapel. Friends may visit with her family beginning at 10 AM. Interment to follow in Fairplains Cemetery. For those who wish, memorial contributions to Free Reformed Church are appreciated. To read more about her life, to share a memory or photo, or to sign her guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com.