Ruth Bernice Weidenaar went on to meet her Heavenly Father on Wednesday, April 8, 2020, while staying at Whatcom Hospice House. Ruth was known for her prayerful and giving spirit. She was always willing to help out with the grandchildren at a moment’s notice.
Ruth was born in Lynden on Sept. 18, 1934, to parents Bert and Lena (Van Weerdhuizen) Vander Ploeg. She graduated from Lynden Christian High School. At age 15 Ruth began her love of playing the piano and organ. She played for the church choir and services until she retired at age 80.
Ruth met a handsome young man, Jerry, when he helped with silage harvest on her parents’ Beard Road family farm. She drove the wagon from the field and Jerry blew silage into the silo. They were married on Aug. 14, 1953.
Ruth was truly the best housewife and mom. For many years Ruth worked at the Fairway Café. She was also a berry bos for Hazel’s Berry Farm.
Ruth was known for growing beautiful begonias among many other types of flowers. She was a wonderful cook making potato rolls, rice casserole, cookies, Buster Bar dessert and more. Ruth would love to gather the grandchildren for a family Christmas program put on for their parents and whoever else happened to come by. The granddaughters remember having tea parties, then going to the basement and shooting pool. Ruth was generous of her time and truly loved her family.
Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry, in 2018; siblings Alice Hoekema, Rene VanderPloeg, Jenny DeGroot and Lena Lankhaar; and grandson Christopher Weidenaar.
Ruth is survived by children Edwin (Connie) Weidenaar, Carol (Richard) Drost, Nancy (Steve) Miller, Larrin (Dawn) Weidenaar and Kenneth (Sonja) Weidenaar; grandchildren Harmony French, Jonathan Weidenaar, Heather Rathbun, Ashley Bajema, Alissa Rinas, Chad Drost, Travis Miller, Brandon Miller, Kaitlyn Harman, Zachary Weidenaar, Jenaye Weidenaar, Leslie Dykstra, Seth Weidenaar and Aaron Weidenaar; and great-grandchildren Gabe French, Bailey French, Vivian French, Amiya Weidenaar, Cash Weidenaar, Georgia Rathbun, Avery Rathbun, Jack Bajema, Henry Bajema, Dean Bajema, Savannah Rinas, Victoria (Toni) Kessler, Alauna Kessler, Adeline Harman, Myiah Weidenaar, Lindsay Dykstra and Sadie Dykstra. She will be greatly missed by sisters Bunny Korthuis and Esther TeSelle; sister-in-law Maggie Scholten; and numerous extended family and friends.
The family thanks Whatcom Hospice for the tender and loving care extended to Ruth.
A private family graveside service will be held in Monumenta Cemetery with Pastor Robert Woodyard officiating. A memorial service will follow at a later date.
Funeral rrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
