Ruth Van Heukelom

Mrs. Ruth Jean (Nibbelink) Van Heukelom, of Holland, much loved mom, grandma and great grandma, died Tuesday, November 20. She was 90 years old. While she lived a long, joy and grace filled life, she also spoke longingly of heaven and looked forward to the day when Jesus would tell her that “her room was ready.”

Born at home in Peoria, Iowa, she attended Calvin College. Known as “Nib” to her closest friends she worked as a teacher, secretary in a veteran’s hospital, telephone operator, grocery store clerk, and spent countless hours serving the churches she attended. Ruth especially enjoyed leading Bible Studies and speaking to women’s groups.

Ruth was married to the Rev. Norman Van Heukelom for 49 years. He preceded her in death in 1999. Together they served Reformed Churches in Des Moines, IA, Hamilton, MI, Morrison, IL, Hudsonville, MI Kalamazoo, MI, Wyoming, MI, Rock Valley, IA, and back to Hamilton.

Her greatest joys were visiting with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren (who called her “Pookie,” “Precious” or “Pokey”). Those visits gave her the chance to travel throughout the US and overseas. She also cherished conversations and meals with old and new friends who meant so much to her.

She is survived by children Gary and Ruth Van Heukelom of Williamsburg, Iowa, Jayne and Mark Barker of Anchorage, Alaska, Judith and Randall Van Dyke of Hudsonville, Jaci and Tom Walcott of Washington, D.C., and Gregory and Susan Van Heukelom of Kalamazoo, along with 17 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. Her last surviving sibling is her brother’s wife, Norma Nibbelink.

The service celebrating her life and faith will be 10:30 am, Saturday, November 24, 2018 at Hamilton Reformed Church, 3554 M-40 in Hamilton. Burial will be in Georgetown Cemetery. Visitation is from 4:00-7:00 pm, Friday, November 23, 2018 at Hamilton Reformed Church and from 9:30-10:30 am prior to the service at the church.

Memorials may be made to Bethany Christian Services and the mission outreach of Hamilton Reformed Church. Arrangements are by Dykstra Funeral Home – Mulder Chapel. To sign an on-line registry or leave a memory please visit www.dykstrafuneralhome.com