Ruth Eleanor (Brondyke) Van Hemert

Now finding her place in Heaven’s choir of the saints, Dr. Ruth­ E. Brondyke VanHemert, passed away peacefully in her Spring Lake home on Sunday, April 10, 2016 at age 86.  She was born October 5, 1929 to William and Hilda (Vlasma) Brondyke in Muskegon, Michigan.   Ruth married the love of her life, John Junior VanHemert, on June 5, 1953, and he preceded her in death on April 9, 2011 and are now reunited for eternity.   Among the many blessings of their marriage, their true legacy and joy was their son Brad.

She was most passionate about her family and home.  During their marriage, she and John opened their home to family and friends far and near; there was always an abundance of food and joyous fellowship. 

Ruth’s academic and professional accomplishments came during a time when staying home and being a full-time mother was the “norm,” meanwhile she was car-pooling to Ann Arbor in order to achieve her doctorate and give her utmost in service to her Lord.   She began with her Bachelor’s degree in music from Calvin College, her Master’s degree in student personnel services and guidance from Western Michigan University, and finally achieving her Doctorate of Education from the University of Michigan.   

More important to her than academic and professional accomplishments, was Ruth’s deep faith, commitment and service to her Lord.  She was humble before her God and every night was down on her knees in prayer, and though often through tears, knew Him as her strength and deliverer.  In many ways, the old gospel hymns of the church best represent both her impassioned life and ministry of music. 

She was known in Western Michigan as an educator and as a musician, having taught music education for Zeeland Christian Schools and Muskegon Christian Schools prior to joining the college staff at Muskegon Community College as counselor and as a member of the administrative staff as Director of Business and Professional Women’s Programs.   Ruth was a recipient of a Kellogg Foundation Fellowship in 1971 in the field of community services.

Ruth was a member of Second Christian Reformed Church and former member and organist of First Reformed Church in Grand Haven.  She was a long time member of Bethany Christian Reformed Church in Muskegon where she was the organist and choir director.  Ruth was also the Director of Evergreen Chorus in Holland in recent years.

Ruth will be lovingly remembered by her beloved son, Bradley VanHemert of Spring Lake; sister, Esther Steen of Toronto, Canada; brothers James (Trynette) Brondyke of Holland, MI and David (Judy) Brondyke of Virginia; brother-in-law, David (Barbara) VanHemert of Manitou Beach, MI; sisters-in-law, Muriel Thompson and June VanHemert, both of Muskegon and a host of nieces and nephews who she loved and cared for deeply. In recent years, Ruthie also acquired the special love and care of her neighbors, the Boeve family, whose children she adopted as her own grandchildren.   Also, in tender months at home, Kathy Veurink and her family became endeared in love and laughter to Ruth and Brad. She was preceded in death by her brothers Paul and Calvin Brondyke.

The funeral service for Ruth will be held at 11:00AM Thursday, April 14, 2016 at Second Christian Reformed Church with Pastor Marvin Beelen officiating. Interment will be in Lake Forest Cemetery, Grand Haven.   Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00PM on Wednesday, April 13, 2016 at Klaassen Family Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church.  Memorial contributions may be made to THE SALVATION ARMY or HOSPICE OF HOLLAND.