Ruth Workman

Ruth Workman was a beloved wife, devoted mother, caring grandmother, cherished friend and committed follower of Christ. Her love was boundless and her joy sincere as she opened her heart and home to all around her. She was strong and proud, hard working and meticulous, honest and faithful. Whether tending to her family, church or community, Ruth invested herself for the good of others. Ruth was born in a decade of both advancement and struggle. The United States was advancing as a world power and being drawn into WWI, the war that was meant to end all wars. Still, there was joy in the Fred and Marie (Roy) Hoffman family as they welcomed their second child into their lives. Ruth was born at home on Catherine Avenue, across the street from their home church, the original location of Unity Reformed, in Muskegon, Michigan on June 1, 1918. Her father worked for Pine Street Furniture delivery and her mother cared for a growing family that came to include five children: Evelyn, Ruth, Fred Jr., Maxine, Eugene. They grew up with strong values of faith, family, education and Dutch ancestral heritage. Ruth attended Angell School Elementary and graduated from Muskegon High School as cum laude, the model of an excellent student. She was especially accomplished in Math, but she also liked learning to sew, knit and cookall skills that would serve her well throughout her life. Very sadly, Ruths mother died at age 39 when Ruth was just 18 years old, and she and her older sister filled the homemaking role for their younger siblings. During the same time, the United States was in the midst of the Great Depression and life was already harsh for most families. Yet, the Hoffmans commitment to one another, their trust in God, and the support of their church community sustained them through a difficult period. Like many young people in the 1930s, Ruth went to work to help support her family, taking her first job with Campbell Wyant and Cannon Foundry. Little did she expect that a young man working at CWC would sweep her off her feet. But it was love at first sight for both Ruth and Harold Workman. Over time, that love grew into commitment and promises in marriage. They made their vows on March 12, 1941 in their newly purchased home at 1068 Ada Street in Muskegon. It was there that they wanted to build a life for themselves and the family they desired. It was a deep disappointment to Ruth and Harold when they were advised not to have children because of health issues. However, they were determined to have a family and were blessed with two wonderful children: Marti born in 1941 and John in 1948. Though both births were very difficult, Ruth and Harold delighted in Gods gift to them, and they raised their children in the love and knowledge of their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Family life was rich with experiences that taught Marti and John curiosity as well as discipline. Ruth and Harold nurtured their children with loving firmness, high expectations, regular religious practices, generous hospitality, stimulating conversation and boatloads of fun. Some of their routine included church every Sunday, with friends coming for coffee most Sunday evenings after worship, and family night at the YMCA every Friday, including perch and onion rings at the Doo Drop Inn of Muskegon. They shared their life with friends, whether they were coming and going from their home or spending time together on vacation outings. Beginning in 1949, and continuing for over 20 years, the Workman family vacationed with church friends every summer at Silver Lake for two weeks during 4th of July holiday, a special day where they began the tradition of the Hoffman clan gathering together at the lake. In addition, Ruth and Harold took the kids on numerous car trips across the country to such places as Yellowstone, Florida, Mackinaw Island or, closer to home, Northshore Beach on Lake Michigan. They wanted their children to be exposed to new sights and experiences that would enlarge their world and open their hearts. Ruths own heart was broken when her dear brother Eugene was killed in the Korean War. She had remained close to her extended family and their lives were woven together during times of sorrow as well as joy. Ruth and Harolds own home was always open to family and friends in time of need. Family was a source of strength for Ruth and she, in turn, was a great support to her family. Harold knew that Ruth was the strong woman behind his success. Marti and John knew that their mother was always there for themliterally, at all of their school events and helping with the PTA or, formatively, in their pursuit of a college education. Ruth encouraged her children to exceed to the gifts they had been given. In 1975, when Ruth and Harold moved to 1611 Lexington Street in the Glenside district of Muskegon, it wasnt long before they were on-the-go once again. With Harolds retirement in 1979, the two of them were off to Hawaii, Australia, Europe and Florida in winter, where both of them loved to play golf. However, when they were at home in Muskegon, Ruth remained very active, volunteering at General Hospitals gift shop, delivering Meals-on-Wheels to the elderly, and also drove the elderly to their medical destinations for F.I.S.H. She couldnt stay away from her Muskegon Big Reds high school football team, who rewarded Ruth with a perfect winning season in 2008. More than anything, Ruth loved to be home to be near her grandchildren and their families. When she first became a grandmother, Ruth couldnt have been happier, and with each grandchild, she became close to every one of them. As with her own children, Ruth was very invested in their lives and never missed any of their sporting events, either. In 2001, Ruth was diagnosed with breast cancer, but with her strength and determination, she beat it! Then in 2008, she and Harold moved to DaySpring Independent Living Center, where they quickly became involved with friends old and new. With all of Ruths activity, it came as a shock to family when she died unexpected at her home on Wednesday, January 28, 2009 at the age of 90. Gratefully, she was surrounded by her loved ones, who will miss her dearly even as they remember the joy she brought to all of their lives. Mrs. Ruth Workman, of Muskegon, is survived by her husband, Harold; son, H. John (Kathleen) Workman; daughter, Marietta "Marti" Driscoll both of Muskegon; grandchildren, Scott, Susan, Michael, Matthew; 4 great grandchildren; sister, Maxine (Robert) Start of Muskegon; several nieces and nephews; sister-in-law, Beverly Hoffman of Muskegon. She was preceded in death by son-in-law, Robert Driscoll; brothers, Fred Jr. and Eugene; sister, Evelyn Britton. A service to celebrate Mrs. Workmans life will be held Saturday, January 31, 2009, 11:00 AM at Unity Reformed Church, where she was a long-time active member. Officiating are Rev. Kyle DeYoung and Rev. James Bos. Interment at Oakwood Cemetery. Friends and relatives may meet with the family on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home Muskegon. Memorial contributions to Unity Reformed Church, 1521 Porter Rd. Muskegon, MI 49441 or Wings of Mercy, 10720 Adams St Holland, MI 49423 are greatly appreciated.