Ruth Ann De Wild was born May 16, 1959, to Gelmer and Thressa (Stursma) Nieuwsma, in Oskaloosa, Iowa.

Ruth attended Pella Christian Grade School through eighth grade, was a 1977 graduate of Pella High School.

On August 24, 1979, she was united in marriage to Mike De Wild at the Second Christian Reformed Church in Pella.

Ruth worked for Pella Corp for 42 years followed by two years at The Well. She was a member of the Heartland Reformed Church where she served in the children's ministry.

Ruth had a warm, bright, fun, adventurous spirit. All who met her would be greeted with her giant smile. Her BIG, infectious laugh could be recognized anywhere and was given freely. Her energy was contagious, and she would bring it with her everywhere she went.

Ruth's greatest love was Jesus. She was actively involved in church activities, especially if they involved children. She would be in prayer for all who needed it and remained faithful in Him each and every day. She would often give guidance to herself and others through scripture.

Apart from the Lord, Ruth adored and cherished her family, her calendar was full, as she would attend her family's events and was their biggest cheerleader. She loved it when they would stop by for a visit, for supper, or just to raid the candy cupboard. Her thousands of pictures are flooded with memories – mostly of them, where you can feel her happiness, joy and pride through the events she captured.

With most delight, she was adorned the "bag lady" by her family. ANYTHING and EVERYTHING should go in a bag. Whether it was one piece of candy, or 5,000 she'd ask "Do you need a bag? Or here's a bag for that!" Plastic, fancy, or otherwise, she'd open it up and joyfully hand it to you after you filled it up.

Her most recent adventure was hunting for treasures. She and Gayle could be found rummaging through collectibles at estate sales any chance they had. Her favorite finds were her vintage ornaments for her aluminum Christmas tree – "Score" she'd say proudly when she found another.

Ruth had many friends that she had met through her various experiences. She loved to reminisce about fun she'd had at work or outings she'd have with others and the joy they brought her.

Ruth's greatest gift was her love. Her love for Jesus. Her love for her family. Her love for everyone she ever knew. It was unconditional and beautiful.

Ruth is survived by her husband Mike, two children, and their families:

Megan (Adam) Vande Voort, Pella, Iowa

Cooper, Brant, Addilynn Vande Voort

Bradley (Tiffany) De Wild, Marshalltown, Iowa

Jordan Scheid, Hayden De Wild, Camden De Wild, Pepper Scheid, Isla De Wild

She is also survived by her mother Thressa Nieuwsma, siblings: Judy (Rick) Pringle, Marilyn (Doug) Van Zee, Gayle (Stu) Ver Meer, Gary (Anna Maria) Nieuwsma, and Steve (Julie) Nieuwsma; father-in-law Al De Wild, sisters-in-law Machelle (Rick) Bloodsworth, and Milli (Todd) Toom, and many nieces and nephews.

Ruth was preceded in death by her father Gelmer Nieuwsma, and mother-in-law Marlys De Wild.

Heartland Reformed Church