Ruth J. Koster

Ruth J. Koster, age 91, was called to her heavenly home on Monday, April 13, 2026. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, George J. Koster in 2015; her sister, Elois Heuker and brother, James Kruithof both in 2021; her 21-year-old grandson, Dylan Herwerden in 2016; her sister-in-law, Donna Kruithof in 2024; infant granddaughter, Mary Jo Koster and infant great granddaughter, Abbigayle Koster.  Ruth was born on September 3, 1934, to Fred and Sena Kruithof, who preceded her in death. 

She is loved and remembered by her children and grandchildren: Glenn & Charlcie Koster (Jerry and Holli Koster, Colby and Heather Whitfield, Laura Day, Matthew and Melissa Koster), Nancee Herwerden (Tyler Herwerden and Geena Merkel, Madison Herwerden), Gary and Lorrie Koster (Brent and Meghan Koster, Carson and Christie Dood) along with 9 great grandchildren; brother, Harvey and Karen Kruithof; brother-in-law, James Heuker; many nephews, nieces and special cousins, along with many long-time friends whom she considered family.

Ruth graduated from G.R. Christian High in 1952, went to nursing school and became an LPN. After various moves around the state, and once their children were grown, she worked at Rambling Road Pediatrics in Kalamazoo. In 1988 they moved back to G.R. where she worked at Western Michigan Pediatrics until her retirement at age 81, from a profession she dearly loved.

She was active in Southern Heights CRC in Kalamazoo and Beckwith Hills CRC in G.R. in their Bible studies and in choir but primarily serving on their Mission Committees. Missionary support and spreading the Gospel around the globe were close to her heart.

In addition to her church activities, Ruth loved playing board games – especially cards, traveling, and spending time with family and friends nearby and all around the country. Also known as the “bird lady”, she enjoyed a variety of 8-10 finches in her home aviary.

Ruth’s family would also like to thank the staff and volunteers at Trillium Woods Faith Hospice for their extraordinary care and providing a faith-filled environment these past few weeks.

A celebration of her life will be held at Beckwith Hills Christian Reformed Church, 2100 Chelsea Rd NE, Grand Rapids on Friday, May 1 at 2 pm with Rev. Jerry Blom officiating. The service for Ruth will also be live-streamed. Please follow this link to view: https://youtube.com/@beckwithhillscrc?si=tifscmw7mQPRJhU

Visitation will be at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4646 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Kentwood from 4 to 7 pm on Thursday, April 30 and at the church one hour prior to the 2 pm service. Entombment will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to the MISSION FUND of Beckwith Hills CRC, 2100 Chelsea NE, Grand Rapids, MI  49505.