Ruth VanMeurs' Obituary
“What is your only comfort in life and in death?”
That I am not my own, but belong, body and soul, in life and in death, to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ. – Heidelberg Catechism Q and A 1
Mrs. Ruth E. VanMeurs, age 79, passed away Wednesday afternoon, February 9, 2011 in Muskegon. Ruth was born March 16, 1931 to Rev. S.G. and Della (VandenHoek) Brondsema in Muskegon. She graduated from Blodgett Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in September of 1952. While attending Calvin College, she met Peter VanMeurs and they married on January 28, 1954. He taught at Muskegon Christian School for 22 years. Ruth was employed as an R.N. for 10 years at Mercy Hospital until her retirement. She was then a volunteer for Hospice of Muskegon County. Ruth was a member of Allen Avenue Christian Reformed Church, the Mary Martha Society, and the Mission Committee. Ruth loved music and enjoyed singing in the church choir. She also worked on many projects for the PTA of Muskegon Christian School. Her survivors include her husband Peter; 6 children, Deborah (Dan) Gasper of Gowen, MI, and their children Jeri (Mike) Bohms, Jessi, Terry, and Jill Gasper, Daniel VanMeurs of Grand Rapids, Douglas Van Meurs of Grand Rapids, and his children Chris (Keith) VanderWeide, and Liz VanMeurs, Dorace VanMeurs of Grand Rapids, and her children Nick and Laura Youells, David (Beth) VanMeurs of Grand Rapids, and their children Emily, Tyler, and Abby VanMeurs, Derek (Angela) VanMeurs of Grand Haven, and their children Mason and Elise VanMeurs; 2 great-grandchildren, McKenzie and Caleb; 1 sister-in-law, Doris Brondsema of Muskegon. She was preceded in death by her brother John Brondsema, and her sisters Grace Wevers and Helen Opperwall. SERVICES will be 1:00 PM Saturday, February 19, at the Allen Avenue Christian Reformed Church, with Rev. Robert Bierenga officiating. Burial will take place at Sunrise Memorial Gardens. VISITATION at
The Sytsema Chapel
Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc.
737 Apple Ave.
(231) 726-5210
will be from 5-8 PM Friday evening, February 18, and 1 hour prior to the service at church. You may sign the family’s on-line guest book at www.sytsemafh.com Contributions in memory of Mrs. VanMeurs may be made to Harbor Hospice, the Endowment Fund of Muskegon Christian School, or the Alzheimer’s Association.
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