Ruth E. De Winter

Ruth E. De Winter, age 93, peacefully slipped away from her earthly home and into the welcoming arms of Jesus on Friday, May 8, 2026. She lived a long, full, fruitful life, which she happily shared with her beloved husband Marvin De Winter, four children, eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, numerous nieces & nephews, and a multitude of friends!

Ruth was one of four children born to Marinus and Madge Woudenberg of Grand Rapids, Michigan. She was preceded in death by her husband Marvin and daughter Lisa, and is survived by children David, Jim, Steve (Naomi) De Winter, and son-in-law Bradd Beidler; grandchildren Katherine, Jack, Steven (Samantha) Beidler, and Emily (Isaac) Brasser; Sachi, Miya and Kimi De Winter; Christopher (Annie) De Winter; great-grandchildren Caroline and McClane De Winter, and Blair Brasser; and brother-in-law Don (Ruth J.) De Winter.

Just like her mother, Ruth became a nurse before meeting Marvin and starting their family. Her nurturing personality was evident in how she and Marvin raised their children, and she was known by friends and relatives as being a caring and generous Christian. After her son Jim was severely injured in a car crash in 1980, she became active in helping others with similar head-injured loved ones. After Marv and Ruth helped get a hyperbaric chamber (the machine which woke Jim from a months-long coma) installed in Butterworth hospital, Marv (an architect) went on to design Sojourners and Wildwood facilities in Grand Rapids, and Ruth became active in the Michigan Head Injury Alliance organization.

Having been blessed with owning a cottage on the shore of Lake Michigan, Ruth loved to entertain friends and family, and especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. Ruth was also blessed with many good friends, with whom she often traveled and shared vacations. She was prolific at cross-stitch embroidery, and made countless works of art which she happily gave away. Ruth always liked doing jigsaw puzzles and playing her favorite game, RummiKub -- especially during her last few years, when she was fortunate in having her son David live in her home as an assistant and companion; and she also had Muffy, her beloved 17-year-old rescued cat.

On May 27, a memorial service will be held at LaGrave Church, where Ruth was a member for almost 60 years. Visitation at 10:00, Service at 11:00, Luncheon at 12:00. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Indian Trails Camp &/or Wedgwood Christian Services in Grand Rapids.

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