Ruth Anne (Buikema) Wildrom

Ruth Anne Wildrom age 83, of Grand Haven took the hand of Jesus and entered her eternal home on Thursday December 12, 2024, at Meijer Heart Center. 

Ruth was born on June 28, 1941, in Grand Haven to John and Ruth (VerHoeks) Buikema. She graduated from Grand Haven High School, and then worked at Michigan Bell Telephone in Grand Haven. She married Julian Wildrom on April 14, 1961, in Grand Haven. He preceded her in death on September 23, 2016. Ruth was a lifetime member of First Reformed Church and devoted much time in prayer. 

She had a gift for noticing and creating beautiful things and often shared that talent, helping others with décor and flower gardening. Ruth was a devoted mother and grandma. She treasured her family who made it a priority to gather frequently to create memories all year long. 

Ruth is survived by her daughters, Julie (Michael) Schmeltzer of Grand Haven and Pam (Mike) Doan of Zeeland; sons, David (Chris) Wildrom of Grand Haven and James (Christine) Wildrom of Grand Haven; 10 grandchildren: Allie (Ben) Visser, Joy (Tim) Creighton, Caleb Schmeltzer, Nicole Doan, Anika Doan, Naomi (Reid) Weber, Noelle Wildrom, Britney Bothwell, Brandy Merryman, and Morgan Powlenko; eight great-grandchildren; two sisters, Joyce (Larry) Goldman and MaryLou (Ken) DeVries; two brothers, John (Marilyn) Buikema and Mark (Patti) Buikema; sister-in-law, Marilyn Wildrom; brother-in-law, Joel (Andrea Smith) Wildrom; and many nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Julian; her parents; and several siblings-in-law. 

The Memorial service for Ruth will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at First Reformed Church, with Rev. John Kenny officiating. A private Interment will be at Lake Forest Cemetery. 

Memorial Contributions may be made to First Reformed Church. 

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