Ruth Marie Oudenhoven
Freedom – Ruth M. Oudenhoven passed peacefully into the Lord’s arms, surrounded by her loving family on April 14, 2021. As a young woman, Ruth was a very hard worker. She worked at the store, drove horses in the fields and helped raise her siblings. After marrying Bob in 1948, she spent her life raising children and helping on the farm.
Ruth was an active member of Immaculate Conception parish and a proud lifetime member of the Freedom VFW Auxiliary. She volunteered at Freedom Elementary school after raising her kids. Ruth was a great cook and enjoyed hosting holidays at her home. She loved spending time with her kids, grandkids and great grandkids any chance she could. Ruth crocheted countless afghans, baby blankets and scarves for her family. She loved playing dominoes and cards. Her children will think of her every time Family Feud is on! Ruth was an avid Packer fan and even attended the Ice Bowl. She enjoyed watching the Brewers (even after they traded Arcia!) She spent her last days in her sunroom watching the cardinals who had been visiting the last 2 weeks waiting to announce her entrance into heaven.
Ruth is survived by her children: Robert Jr. (Diane), Dale (Bev), Sandy (Bill) Calaway, Becky (Dan) Baneck, Larry (Joan), Duane (Becky), Kathy (Chris Parker), Lisa (Chad) Kortz and Chris (Linda); grandchildren: Amy, Brian, Eric, Anna, Bill Jr., Kelly, Jessica, Michelle, Kyle, Stephanie, Keith, Kevin, Steve, Janell, Michael, Alex, Alyssa, Ashley, Michael, Cole, Blake, Drew and Tyler; 29 great grandchildren; sisters: Joyce Konkle, Janice Thyes, Carol Eastman and sister-in-law, Dorothy Gerritts.
Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Bob Oudenhoven Sr; daughter, Nancy; grandson, Daniel; her parents, Frank and Margaret (Van Treek) Gerritts; siblings: Russ, Gerald, Ronald, Vernon and Joan; and all of her many in-laws.
A public visitation will take place on Tuesday, April 20, 2021, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Verkuilen-Van Deurzen Family Funeral Home FREEDOM LOCATION, N3972 Columbia Ave. A prayer service will conclude the evening at 7:00 p.m. Due to Covid-19, the family understands if you are unable to attend. A private family Mass will take place on Wednesday morning at 10:00 a.m. Those wishing to view the service online may do so on the Verkuilen-Van Deurzen Family Funeral Home Facebook Page. Interment will take place in the parish cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established. For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com.
A special thank you to our new “sister Debbie” who provided loving care for mom to the very end, and to Tracy, Krystal and Josh from Heartland Hospice for their compassionate care.
Mom, you were the matriarch of our family, an inspiration to others and loved by all that knew you. We were blessed to have you for so many years, and now it’s Dad and Nancy’s turn. You will be missed every day until we see you again. Love, your family
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