Ruth M. Kieft

Ruth Kieft was a generous woman who found her greatest moments of happiness in the company of her family and friends. She was a devoted Christian who played an active role in the Church, and she was known for her spotless house, her sense of humor, and her familiar laugh. The early twentieth century marked a time of labor protests, political reforms, and industrial growth. Unions formed to improve working conditions, women's suffrage was becoming an important political issue, and Henry Ford designed the first moving assembly line to produce the Model T. Amid this climate of change, Menno Boersema and his wife Esther Anderson looked forward to a different future, the future of their family. They were expecting a child, and on August 10, 1912 they were blessed with the healthy birth of their daughter Ruth Matilda. Ruth was born in Dalton Township, located just outside of Muskegon, Michigan. The family lived on Holton Road. While her mother Esther stayed at home to raise the children and tend to the chores, Menno provided for his growing family through his job as a lawyer. One of his main clients was the Howell School of Business, where he also taught classes. The second of four children, Ruth grew up with the company of her older brother John and her younger brothers Munroe and Leonard. Because Leonard was twelve years younger, Ruth helped to raise him and always called him Len-Boy. Ruth was a good student who graduated from Holton High School with strong marks. She formed many valuable friendships, which she maintained throughout her adult life by attending alumni events and dinners. In 1934 Ruth found a job at Sealed Power, where she worked in the Tool Crib for thirty-eight years until her retirement in 1972. She soon became friendly with a fellow coworker named Frank Kieft. He was divorced with two children, Donald and Beverly, who lived with their mother. Ruth and Frank began dating, and after falling in love they were married on July 2, 1943. Ruth was a faithful woman. She prayed before each meal and read her Bible on a daily basis. According to her heritage, she also said a Swedish prayer each night before bed. She and Frank were active members of Dalton Baptist Church, where they both served as Sunday School teachers. Ruth also ran the Christmas program for many years. Although Ruth never had any children, she always treated her nieces and nephews as if they were her own. She and Frank took in a niece, Nettie Boersema, when she was two years old. She was not a healthy child. Ruth and Frank took excellent care of her, and Nettie continued to live with them until her death in 1993 at the age of fifty-five. The family went on many great vacations to places like California, Hawaii, Rome, and the Holy Lands. Sometimes they would even bring another niece or nephew along. Ruth had a special fondness for her brother Len's grandson, Harley Arnson, whose red hair reminded her of Len's. Ruth and Frank belonged to a close circle of friends called the "Friday Night Bunch." They would all go out for dinner and then return to someone's house for an evening of dessert and games of Rook. Everyone was excited when it was Ruth's turn to host. She had a sweet tooth, and she knew how to make many delicious treats. Her butter cookies were a popular request among friends and family, and she always cooked her delicious Angel Food Cake on her birthday. Ruth was a generous woman. On Christmas and birthdays, she always gave her family and friends practical gifts that they could really use. She often bought nice clothes for people, and she loved to take her friends and relatives shopping. Ruth was known for her sense of style and class. She laid out her clothes for the next day, and she always dressed her best, usually with a pin on her outfit. Someone once said, "When Ruth goes to Heaven, she'll stand at the gate to make sure everyone wipes their feet." She was very neat and organized. Her house was always clean, and her yard was immaculate. Everything had to be done a particular way. Barb Martin, her housekeeper of twenty-two years, said that Ruth was demanding, but in a loving way. Ruth was a loving wife, a generous aunt, and a devoted Christian. Among the many people whose hearts she touched, she will be greatly missed and frequently remembered. Ruth died on Friday, October 27, 2006. She was preceded in death by her husband Frank in 1982. She is survived by her brother, Munroe (Wuanita) Boersema of FL; 3 sisters-in-law, Eloise Boersema, Kate Boersema & Antoinette Kieft; care giver & niece, Carole Boersema; special cousin, Lucille Hofsess & a special friend, Barb Martin & many special nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by 2 brothers, John & Leonard & Nettie Boersema. The Service for Ruth will be held on Tuesday, October 31, 2006, 11:00 AM at Dalton Baptist Church with Pastor Eric Coulon officiating. Interment at E. Dalton-Oakhill Cemetery. You may visit with family and friends on Tuesday, 10-11 AM at Dalton Baptist Church. MEMORIAL: Dalton Baptist Church. Please visit Ruth's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.