Obituary

Remembering Ruth Fennema

By the grace of God, Ruth Ann Fennema received release from the burdens of her physical condition and joy in the tender embrace of the arms of her Savior on Monday evening, August 10, 2026. In life she never wanted to be in the spotlight but was always the center of love from her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Although those great-grandchildren came later, she was a great grandma for many years before that. Everywhere she lived (and there were several) there seemed always to be children who needed and appreciated her readiness to love and care for them. As a child of God, she emulated the love of her Father for her. Ruth will be very lovingly remembered by her husband of 65 years, George; children, George Jr. and Terri Fennema, Bruce and Robin Fennema, Kimberly and Brian Roon, Karen and Dean Koopman; grandchildren: Cindy and Kevin Palmbos, Michelle and Tony Hinton, Ashley and Travis Grit, Sarah Fennema, Nick and Brooke Fennema, Alyssa and Nicholas McKeiver, Nathan and Kristina Roon, Josalyn and Avery McKinney, Bryce Koopman, Kendra (Koopman) and Nathan VanHarn; great-grandchildren: Katelyn, Aubrey, and Jenna Palmbos; Ellery Hinton; Colton, Alexa, and Macie Grit; Paxton, Hayden, and Aliyah Fennema; Elliott, Liam, and Mason McKeiver; Raegan and Beau McKinney; sister, LaVonne Bakhuyzen; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Richard and Elsa Fennema, Rev. William and Pat Fennema, Lynnell Julien, and Ruth Fennema; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Nick and Mattie Kooiker, sisters, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Marlene and Roger Groenendyk, Yvonne Kooiker, Bert Bakhuyzen, David Julien, and Terry Fennema. Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Friday, August 14, 2026, at Baldwin St. CRC, 2101 Baldwin St., Jenison with Rev. Ron Baker and Rev. Bill Fennema officiating. Burial will take place at Georgetown Township Cemetery. Relatives and friends may visit with the family Thursday, August 13 from 4-7 pm at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW. and on Friday from 10-10:45 am at church prior to the service. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to AnchorPoint Christian School. 

Service Information

Visitation and Funeral Details

Visitation

Friday, August 14 · 10:00am - 10:45am

Location

Baldwin St. Christian Reformed Church

2101 Baldwin St.
Jenison, MI 49428

Funeral Service

Friday, August 14 · 11:00am

Location

Baldwin St. Christian Reformed Church

2101 Baldwin St.
Jenison, MI 49428

Guestbook

Tribute Messages

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Dear George and family, My thoughts and prayers are with all of you, and they will continue for weeks and months ahead. I have many fond memories of time spent with you and your family. I especially appreciated the way you helped Terry the last time we got to visit you at Sandy Pines!

— Ruth Fennema

Our deepest condolences. She was a real blessing and will be sorely missed.

— Cherie Van Eck

George and family, So sad to learn of Ruth’s passing. She was a great neighbor in FL and enjoyed seeing her enjoy the sunshine in her driveway…reading her book. We will definitely miss her presence on our street. You are all in our thoughts and prayers♥️

— Patti Maggio

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