Ruth Ossewaarde

Age 88, went home to be with her Lord on July 21, 2017. Ruth was born May 11, 1929 in Benton Harbor, MI, the daughter of Roy and Hilda (Mensinger) Klan. She grew up on the family fruit farm, graduated as Salutatorian at Watervliet High School and attended Western Michigan University. On June 9, 1951, she was united in marriage to Edward Ossewaarde, Jr. She was a longtime member of Southridge Reformed Church where she had served in many capacities. Throughout the years Ruth was active with Kennedy Center School, MRC Industries and Community Advocates for Persons with Developmental Disabilities. Ruth was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who especially enjoyed babysitting her grandchildren. Surviving are her husband of 66 years, Edward Ossewaarde; two sons Scott (Karen) Ossewaarde and Steven (Susan) Ossewaarde; nine grandchildren Matthew Ossewaarde, Erin (Matt) Chaffin, Kristin (Wes) Meeks, Mike (Anne) Ossewaarde, Gary (Katherine) Ossewaarde and six great-grandchildren. Ruth was preceded in death by a daughter Kaye Lynne in 1993; by her parents and two brothers William and Edward. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00PM on Monday, July 24th at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 South 9th Street. A service to celebrate Ruth's life will be held 11:00AM Tuesday, July 25th at Southridge Reformed Church (6726 Texas Drive) with Rev. Dr. Mark Vanderson officiating. Immediate following the service, friends are invited to join the family for a luncheon. A private family interment will be in Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Memorials in Ruth's memory may be directed to Southridge Reformed Church, or Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan. Please visit Ruth's personalized guest book at www.langelands.com