Ruth Leeuwen

Ruth A. Rector-VanLeeuwen aged 91, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus, Wednesday March 21, 2012, after a long battle with Alzheimer's. We thank the wonderful workers and staff at the Sanctuary at St. Mary's for their loving care of Ruth. Ruth graduated from South High School and attended Glad Tidings Bible College in San Francisco, CA. She went on to minister in music for the Lord with her family. She loved life, traveling, hiking, photography and writing. Ruth was a school bus driver for Grand Rapids Public Schools for many years. Ruth is survived by her daughter, Diane (Robert) Calhoun of Jenison; son, Daniel (Nancy) Rector of Minneapolis, MN; stepsons, Alan (Diane) VanLeeuwen of Byron Center, Randy (Diane) VanLeeuwen of Grand Rapids; eight grandchildren, Julie (Mike) Klingeman, Jodie (Scott) Roberts, Jack (Jennifer) Calhoun, Dawn (Aaron) Lundeen, David Rector, Matt, Mary and Zoe VanLeeuwen; nine great grandchildren; and three great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alan W. VanLeeuwen; her baby daughter, Shirley Rector and brothers, Earl, Harold and Ralph Ditton. A celebration of her life will be held 1:00PM at Clyde Park Church of the Nazarene, 2545 Clyde Park Ave., SW. Her family will greet relatives and friends one hour prior to the service on Tuesday. Interment Woodlawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Ruth's memory may be made to Sanctuary at St. Mary's Alzheimer's Unit. Memories and condolences to Ruth's family may be shared at www.stegengafuneralchapel.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Ruth Rector-Van Leeuwen please visit our Sympathy Store.