R. Ruth Gritter was received into glory on September 21, 2018. She was born in 1929 in Grand Rapids, MI, and was married in 1949 to Nelson J. Gritter. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Frances Ornee, husband Nelson, daughter Lorraine Menninga, and sister Florence Geelhood. She is survived by her daughter, Marilyn Gritter and Lauren Dennison; grandson, Shawn and Noelle Pedersen (Wesley, Calvin); granddaughter, Kim and Scott Frost; step-granddaughter, Devon and Joe Corbett (Madisyn, Joey); in-laws, Jim and Edie Gritter, Willa Kenoyer, and Dianne Long; and many nieces and nephews. Ruth graduated from Western Michigan University with a Master of Arts degree. She was employed by the Mendon Community Schools as a Director of Guidance and by the St. Joseph ISD (Regional Enrichment Center) in Centreville as a Consultant for General and Gifted/Talented Education. While Ruth lived in Kalamazoo, she served in various capacities for South Christian Grade School, Grace Christian Reformed Church, Third Christian Reformed Church, and Hospice of Kalamazoo. Along with her husband, Ruth was a 20-year volunteer for the Disaster Response Service of the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee and the Kalamazoo Chapter of the American Red Cross Disaster Response. She was a trainer for the Red Cross and a consultant for Church World Service Disaster Response. Hundreds of friends, family members, and acquaintances were blessed by the card ministry Ruth maintained for many years.  There will be a private graveside committal service. A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 29, at 1:30 pm, at the Cascade Fellowship Christian Reformed Church, 6655 Cascade Rd. SE, with Rev. James Karsten, and Rev. Dick Hertel officiating. Friends may gather to greet the family at the church one hour before the service. Memorial contributions may be made to World Renew Disaster Response Services, Mel Trotter Ministries, or American Red Cross Disaster Relief Services.