Ruth Jane (Ver Hoeks) Buikema

Ruth Jane Buikema age 101 of Grand Haven went to be with her Lord and Savior Tuesday, March 28, 2017. Ruth was born September 14, 1915 to Henry and Josephine (Kooiman) Ver Hoeks in Grand Haven. She married John K. Buikema on December 28, 1937. He preceded her in death on May 30, 2002. Ruth was a woman of great faith and a lifetime member of First Reformed Church where she was active in the Ladies Guild and Ladies Circle. Prior to working as an administrative assistant for Grand Haven Public Schools, Ruth worked for Keller Manufacturing. Following her retirement from the school system she and John took pleasure in traveling. She had a love for books and spent a great deal of her leisure time reading. Ruth took pride in the many flower gardens she tended to over the years. She had the gift of hospitality hosting many friends in her home for coffee, dinner and an occasional game of cards. Ruth’s greatest joy was weekly family gatherings. Ruth will be lovingly remembered by her daughters, Joyce (Larry) Goldman of Grand Haven, Mary Lou (Ken) Devries of Grand Rapids, Ruth Anne Wildrom of Grand Haven; sons, John D. (Marilynn) Buikema, Mark (Patti) Buikema both of Grand Haven; 15 grandchildren; 31 great grandchildren; 7 great-great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister Dorothy Vanderwel, brother-in-law, Abe Vanderwel and son-in-law Julian Wildrom. Interment will take place in Spring Lake Township Cemetery. A Special Celebration of Ruth’s Life with family will take place at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to First Reformed Church or Hospice of North Ottawa Community. Please visit www.klaassenfuneralhome.com to share memories, send condolences or sign her guest book. Arrangements by Klaassen Family Funeral Home.