Ruth Lynn Patton

Mrs. Ruth Lynn (VanderMey) Patton, age 45, went Home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, March 26, 2008 after fighting a courageous battle against cancer. Ruth never let her illness deter her from serving the Lord with a joyful heart. She was born December 19, 1962 in Muskegon to Harold and Eleanor (Buining) VanderMey. Ruth was currently living in Madrid, Spain where she and her husband, John, worked in the Lord's service from 1998-2007 for ABWE. Prior to her missionary work, Ruth worked as a K-12 Music Teacher for Christian schools in McBain, Okeechobee and Muskegon. She received her music certificate from the Grand Rapids School of Bible and Music. Ruth later received her bachelor of arts in teaching from Calvin College and her master's degree from Nova Southeastern University. Ruth was currently attending Calvary Church of Fruitport, but she was also deeply committed to Evanston Avenue Baptist Church, where she married John on July 30, 1988. She is also SURVIVED by her parents, Harold and Eleanor VanderMey of Muskegon; 5 siblings, Christina (Patrick) Kearney of Grandville, MI, Paul (Jann) VanderMey of Belton, MO, Steve (Ruth) VanderMey of Grand Rapids, Mary (Michael) Hunt of Muskegon, and Tom (Dawn) VanderMey of Zeeland, MI; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Fred and Rachel Patton of Florida; her brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Andrew (Carol) Patton of Maryland, Thomas (Sondra) Patton of Oregon, and Ruth (Matt) Goldman of Georgia; and many nieces and nephews. A FUNERAL SERVICE will held 11:00 AM Tuesday, April 1, 2008 at Evanston Avenue Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. William J. Rudd and Rev. Eric Strattan as officiators. INTERMENT will take place at Restlawn Cemetery. VISITATION with Ruth's family will be 5-8 PM Monday at The Sytsema Chapel Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 737 Apple Avenue (231) 726-5210 Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the service, 10-11 AM Tuesday at the church. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS may be directed to ABWE (Association of Baptists for World Evangelism) for Spanish Ministry.