Ruth Ann VanZanten, age 86, of Jenison left a life she loved for “the last great adventure” in Heaven on Friday, July 13, 2018. She was a lifelong educator and taught 2nd grade at Grandville Christian School for many years. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Bernard; and son, Brad. She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Chris and David Cook, Brian and Mary VanZanten, Karen VanZanten; grandchildren, Megan Cook, Kevin Cook, Ben Cook, Lauren Hageman, Calin Cook, Nick VanZanten, Ellen Paulin, Joan DeBoer, Sara Mullineaux, Matthew VanZanten; 5 great grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Helen VanZanten, Irene VanZanten, Ella Topp; along with nieces, nephews and friends. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 17, 2018, at South Grandville Christian Reformed Church, 4130 Wilson Avenue SW, with Rev. Daniel Mouw officiating. Interment Grandville Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family Monday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Drive SW. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Friendship Ministries at South Grandville CRC.

Leave Your Tribute Message

July 17, 2018 5:49am
Our sympathy to your family. Your Mom was a wonderful person and a great teacher. I volunteered in her classroom when she taught at Grandville Christian - it was a pleasure and she was always so grateful. Lorraine Lemmen

- Lorraine Lemmen

July 16, 2018 2:09pm
Dear Chris and family ,Brian and family Karen and family My mom and I were so sorry to hear about aunt Ruth aunts passing. She was a kind and sweet lady. May the Lord wrap his arms around each and everyone of you during this time of loss . Thanking and praying for you Sincerely Marti and aunt Irene

- Marti Wiggins

July 16, 2018 8:01am
So sorry that we cannot send our condolences in person, because of being out of town. Just know that you are in our thoughts at this time. I enjoyed teaching with Ruth at Grandville Christian school.

- Ruth Walburg

July 14, 2018 11:11am
MS. Vanzanten was my favorite teacher, she was so loving and happy to see our class every day. Such a wonderful woman.

- Sharon haner




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