Ruth S. Van Deraa
February 9, 1937 ~ May 27, 2016 (age 79) 79 Years OldShare using:
Ruth S. Van Deraa, 79, of Red Granite, formerly of Little Chute, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, May 27, 2016, after a courageous 1 ½ year battle with cancer. She was born in Michigan on February 9, 1937, daughter of the late Leonard and Ruth (Sherpitas) Adams. Ruth married Lawrence “Butch” Van Deraa on November 23, 1957, and together celebrated over 58 years of marriage. For many years Ruth worked at Little Chute High School. Not only was she a great friend to many of the staff members, but she also was the person that all the students loved. She made excellent baked goods and was a marvelous cook. She also enjoyed knitting and crocheting. Ruth always gave away everything she made—that’s why she made it! She was selfless and always put everyone else’s needs in front of her own. Her biggest passion was taking care of others, especially her family.
Ruth is survived by her husband, Lawrence (Butch) Van Deraa; her children: Deb (fiancé Jeff Bohl) Knapp, Steve (Carla) Van Deraa, and John (Mary) Van Deraa; grandchildren: Adam Knapp, Kyle Knapp, Beth (Steve) Hoelzel, Ryan Van Deraa, Sarah Van Deraa, and Craig (Jessalyn) Garvey; great- grandchildren: Ford and Pierce Garvey; siblings: Sonny Adams, Micky (Carol) Adams and Roxy (Dave) Leiphart; brothers and sisters-in-law: Marvel Adams, Harvey (Irene) Van Deraa, Ronald (Beth) Van Deraa, Ellie Walker, Geraldine Welch, and Kathleen “Toots” Van Deraa; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and special friends.
Ruth was preceded in death by a brother, Leonard Adams; brothers and sisters-in-law: Shirley Adams, Angie (Ralph) Vanevenhoven, Marvin “Otts” Van Deraa, Gerald Van Deraa, and Pro Walker. Memorial services will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 31, 2016, at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church, 323 S. Pine Street, Little Chute, with Fr. Ron Belitz officiating. Friends may call at the church from 3:00 p.m. until the time of the Mass. For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com. The Van Deraa family would like to extend a special thank you to Laura, Jamie, Garrett, Mitchell and Brenna Lundt and Ruth’s special cousin Carol for all of your friendship and love. Also a thank you to the medical staff and Hospice at Affinity Health Group for all of your compassionate care.
