Ruth Heideman

Ruth Heideman passed away on December 19, 2024 in the loving care of her family, the generous caregivers at Resthaven Maplewoods and Life Circles, all of whom went above and beyond to see Ruth had everything she needed in her last couple of years as she dealt with Alzheimer’s.

Ruth was born on March 13, 1962 in Vellore, India, to Eugene and Mary Heideman. When she was diagnosed with Down Syndrome, some recommended institutionalization, but she remained with and under the thoughtful care of her parents until 2008, when she went to live at My Sister’s House II. There, she received excellent care from many people, and most especially Maria Vick, who was a second mother to her. With her contagious smile, Ruth helped many see the value of a life outside the norm.

Ruth led an adventurous life as a middle sibling in India, and later in Iowa, Michigan, New York and Delaware before retiring in Holland, Michigan. She traveled around the world, sleeping in a tent or VW camper van through Europe, calmly exploring a German train station on her own to the chagrin of her family and visiting Japan and other Asian countries. A loving and easy-going person, she was usually happy unless nieces, nephews and dogs were too loud or disrupted her well-oiled routine.

Her family returned from India when she was eight so she could get an education starting. at Christian Opportunity Center in Pella, Iowa, which led her beloved teacher, Judi Menninga, to meet and marry Ruth’s uncle Ken. She continued her education in Holland through high school.

Productive throughout her adult life, she held a number of jobs, including a long stint doing laundry at Manor Care in Wilmington, Delaware and working for over 10 years in the dining room at Resthaven in Holland, where she predicted she would someday live. She was an extremely reliable worker and got along well with her coworkers.

Regardless of her residence, Ruth traveled regularly to Michigan to attend Camp Sunshine and faithfully wore their t shirts through the years. She loved those who volunteered to make it a special experience for everyone.

Ruth loved her soap operas, reading Soap Opera Digest, Barbie dolls, puzzles and many types of crafts. She was meticulously neat and organized, taking over many household chores as she became an adult. Big events, meticulously anticipated, were Birthdays, Holidays and Daylight Savings Time

Ruth was predeceased by her parents, Gene and Mary Heideman and niece, Sarah Heideman. She will be missed by her siblings, Beth Christman (Mark), Paul (Laurie) and Carl, along with his wife, Charlotte, who deserves special recognition for expertly taking care of many details of Ruth’s care as she required more assistance. She is also survived by her Aunt Judi, Uncle Floyd (Margaret) and Uncle Ralph, along with nieces and nephews Tim & Meg Christman, Jack, Hope and Chris Heideman and Sarina and Linnea Patterson and two great nephews, Jake and Owen Christman.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, January 3, 2025 at Third Reformed Church, 111 West 13th Street in Holland. Burial will be in Graafschap Cemetery.

Donations may be made to Holland Deacon’s Conference.

Arrangements are by Dykstra Funeral Homes-Downtown Chapel.