Ruth Elizabeth (Schuetky) Tague

Ruth Elizabeth (Schuetky) Tague, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 30, 2024. Ruth, a most loving, kind, and caring mother and grandmother, was born on May 1, 1930 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Hans and Katharine (Doud) Schuetky.  She was an only child, but considered her childhood friend, Edith (Bos) Goodyke, her sister. Ruth spent most of her younger years in Holland, Michigan and was even a Klompen Dancer in the Tulip Time Parade. When she was 7 years old, she spent time in Europe for two months.  Her parents took her to Germany (home of her father), France and Czechoslovakia.  Ruth graduated from Holland High School in 1948.

After high school, she worked in the personnel department at H. J. Heinz Company in Holland.  There, she hired a young man named Donald Tague. Soon they were dating and were married on April 18, 1953 in Holland at St. Francis DeSales Catholic Church. Ruth was always a cheerleader for her famously entertaining police officer husband, Don. She was famous for giggling at all his jokes. Ruth’s love for Don kept him centered and confident. Whenever they were together, their love for one another would emanate across the room. Their fairy-tale, loving marriage of 71 years blessed them with six children. 

Ruth was a woman of strong character with a strong sense of right and wrong which she passed on to her children. She was a deeply religious woman with a heart full of forgiveness and kindness. She was also a wonderful cook, always preparing family feasts during the holidays.  Once, she was featured in the Grand Haven Tribune winning a baking contest for her famous Bundt cake. Also, an impeccable homemaker, her home on Robbins Road was featured in a Christmas special in the Grand Haven Tribune. 

Ruth and her husband moved from Grand Haven to a home on Lake Michigan in Manistee for about ten years, where they hosted many family parties before returning to the Tri-Cities and making their home in Spring Lake.  Ruth and Don would always make many friends wherever they lived. Ruth was a fiercely proud mother of her children who will miss her dearly. All who knew her will miss her loving smile and constant laughter.  Ruth was truly a special angel here on earth. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Spring Lake and a past member of St. Patrick – St. Anthony Catholic Parish in Grand Haven. 

Ruth is survived by her beloved husband of 71 years, Don; and their six children: Michael (Cheryl) of Grand Haven; David of Muskegon; Sally (Tom) of Howard City; Tony (Wendi) of Grand Haven; Christopher (Tiffnei) of Anderson, SC; and Robert (Laura) of Elmhurst, IL. She is also survived by 14 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; and her best friend, Edith (Bos) Goodyke. 

The Funeral Mass for Ruth will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 8, 2024 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Spring Lake, with Fr. Dan DePew officiating. Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 7, 2024, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Klaassen Family Funeral Home. Interment will be at Restlawn Memorial Gardens in Holland, MI, next to her beloved parents.

Memorial Contributions may be made to St Jude Children's Research Hospital.

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