Ruth Thompson

Although 1916 fell within the timeframe of World War I, it was a year marked by many great events. While Albert Einstein worked on completing his theory of relativity, Charlie Chaplin was at his height of fame entertaining wartime audiences as a silent movie star. It was into this heightened world of war and laughter that Ruth Clara Molemaker was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Harry and Clara (Haitema) Molemaker. Ruth spent her growing up years in the fast growing suburbs of Grand Rapids, where she received her education in the area schools and later graduated from Oak Dale Christian High.

After some time, Ruth married Rodney Thompson and they had four children: Robert, Dale, Faye and Phyllis. To support their family, the couple owned and operated the Thompson Oil Gas Station and Service Garage in Wayland, Michigan. After serving the community for several years, they sold the business and moved to Holland, Michigan in 1968.

Ruth lost her beloved husband Rodney in 1989, and a year later she moved to Freedom Village, a resort retirement community in the heart of Holland. Here Ruth became greatly involved in the activities of the community, including volunteering and organizing the annual bazaars. She was also active in her church community and was a current member of the Third Reformed Church of Holland, and a former member of Corinth Reformed Church in Byron Center.

All who knew Ruth Thompson will treasure her memory.

Ruth Clara Thompson, age 91, of Holland, MI, died on Monday, August 13, 2007, at Hospice House of Holland. She was preceded in death by her husband, Rodney Thompson, in 1989. Ruth’s family includes her children: Robert and Annette Thompson of AZ, Dale and Sharon Thompson of AZ, Faye and Dan Lepo of Fennville, MI., Phyllis and Carl Westrate of Grand Rapids, MI.; eight grandchildren, six great grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 16, at the Third Reformed Church in Holland with Rev. Unzicker officiating. Burial will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. Visiting is from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 15, at the Mulder Chapel, Dykstra Life Story Funeral Home, 188 West 32nd Street, Holland, MI. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Holland. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com for further information or to sign the online guest book.