In Loving Memory of

Grace Ruiter

of Edmonton
Mar 28, 2024

On March 28, at 96 years of age, our beautiful mother and Oma, Grace, passed away. Though we will miss her immensely, it is a comfort to know that she has gone to be with her Lord and can rest in His love.

Besides her daughters and their families, she leaves behind her sister, Sherry (Stewart) DeRose. Grace is predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Francis Ruiter, and her siblings: Jo, John, Arend, and Harm.

Born in Rijswijk, the Netherlands, Grace was the beloved daughter of Harmen Vriend and Gerritje Verbokkem. Her parents named her Grietje, after her paternal grandmother, Grietje Koop. Like her namesake, Grace was meticulous in everything she did, even as a very young girl, and she loved to help her grandmother with household tasks. As a young woman, Grace furthered her skills in the domestic arts at the huishoudschool (domestic science school) and later proudly obtained a position as a paid, live-in housekeeper.

In the spring of 1955, at the age of 27, Grace and her younger sister sailed aboard the SS Ryndam for Canada, landing at Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and then traveled by rail to Edmonton, to join their older brother who had immigrated some years earlier. For Grace, who had a shy disposition and who was deeply devoted to her parents, the long ocean voyage to the unknown told of bravery and resilience. In Edmonton she met Francis Ruiter, and, after a brief courtship, they married on February 17, 1956, in the Beverly Christian Reformed Church (now known as Maranatha CRC) and began to build a life together.

Grace and Francis raised three daughters: Linda (David) Ruiter, Carolyn (Phil) Tiemstra, and Marianne (Doug) Smith, and eventually welcomed 8 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Together, Grace and Francis provided a loving home. They were steadfast supporters of and active in their church community, and in Christian education. Grace was a devoted mother, a gracious host, and a good sport with a playful sense of humor. She stayed fit with daily exercise and physical activity. As befitting her name, she was unstinting with her love, giving generously of her time and her many talents. Faithful in prayer, she sought daily kindness and courage, and for the wellbeing of others. Once her children were grown, Grace was able to take up drawing and painting. This became her passion for many years, and her artwork is proudly displayed in many of our homes. In the last few years Grace's orbit narrowed significantly, her eyesight, hearing, and energy diminished. Yet, ever gracious, she retained a positive spirit, frequently counting her blessings.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, April 12, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. at Covenant Christian Reformed Church (19010 87 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5T 6P2).

To attend via Livestreaming, please visit www.covenantcommunity.ca. The link will be posted on the homepage.

1 Corinthians 13:13 "And now faith, hope and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love."

Psalm 116:1-2 "I love the Lord because He hears me when I cry and pray. He bends his ear down to me, and I will call on Him the rest of my life." (paraphrased)

Gifts of remembrance may be made to World Renew (3475 Mainway PO Box 5070 STN LCD 1 Burlington, ON), The Hope Mission (9908 106 Ave Box 953 Edmonton, AB T5J 2L8), or The Mustard Seed (10568 114 St NW Edmonton, AB T5H 3J7)

Arrangements entrusted to Foster & McGarvey Downtown Funeral Home.