Ruth Ann (Koning) Van Grouw-Bandstra, age 98, entered her heavenly home on Sunday, July 5, 2026.

She was born on April 27, 1928, in Bozeman, Montana, to John Daniel and Petranella "Nellie" (Memmelaar) Koning and was the second of four children. Ruth spent her childhood moving throughout the western and midwestern United States as her father faithfully served Christian schools as a teacher and principal. She cherished her parents, her brothers Calvin, Daniel, and Donald, and the many friendships she made along the way.

On August 24, 1948, Ruth married the love of her life, Clarence Van Grouw, at First Christian Reformed Church in Redlands, California. Together they built a

Christ-centered home and raised their seven children—Cheryl, Karen, Ruth, Crystal, Lee, Barbara, and Lynette. Ruth found great joy in caring for her family. She was a gifted seamstress who lovingly made clothes for her daughters, prepared wonderful meals, celebrated birthdays with homemade cakes, and made each child feel special through bedtime prayers, hugs, and words of encouragement. Together, Ruth and Clarence valued Christian education and sacrificially helped each of their children attend Christian school and pursue a college education.

Ruth's love extended far beyond her own home. She faithfully prayed for each member of her family every day, keeping prayer folders of each of her children's families.

Through thoughtful handwritten letters, she kept loved ones connected across the miles and encouraged generations with her unwavering faith. Alongside Clarence, she also began a cherished family reunion tradition in Colorado that continues to bring together a family that has grown to more than 130 people.

Following Clarence's passing, God brought an unexpected blessing into Ruth's life when she reconnected with Andy Bandstra through years of exchanged family letters. They were married in 2009 and enjoyed ten wonderful years together, most of them at Raybrook in Grand Rapids, Michigan, until Andy's passing in 2019.

Ruth leaves behind a rich legacy of faith through her 7 children, 23 grandchildren, 70 great grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren, step family, and countless friends whose lives were touched by her kindness, encouragement, and steadfast love.

Throughout her life, Ruth's greatest desire was to know and serve Jesus Christ. Even in her final days, she joyfully told her family how much she loved Jesus, and that she was ready to meet Him. Her family rejoices that she is now home with her Savior.

Ruth was preceded in death by her beloved first husband of 54 years, Clarence Lee Van Grouw; her second husband of 10 years, Andrew Bandstra; daughter, Cheryl De Young; parents, John and Nellie Koning; stepmom, Wolly Koning; grandson, Steve Van Beek.

She is lovingly remembered by her children: Bernie DeYoung; Karen (Bob) Veldman; Ruth (Ron) Verwys; Crystal (Paul) Van Beek; Lee (Donna) Van Grouw; Barbara (Norm) Hawkins; and Lynette (Greg) Andriese. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Theresa (Kevin) Lerma, Andrea (Tim) Sheridan, Melanie (Paul) Verhoeven, Michelle (Aaron) Greydanus, Craig (Tara) Veldman, Rebecca (Jeff) Leep, Ryan (Rachel) Verwys, Ruthanne (Jeff) Huizenga, Ross (Sarah) Verwys, Rob (Amanda) Verwys, Katie (Joel) Verhoef, Jacob (Jessica) Van Beek, Alysia Chavez, Ashley (Kyle) Wynia, Jenessa (Steve) Kaisand, Joshua (Jessica) Van Grouw, Curt (Emily) Van Grouw, Lindsey Amey, Megan (Chris) Caudle, Brandon (Alli) Visser, Bryan (Katrina) Andriese, Matthew (Jill)

Andriese, and David (Kayla) Andriese. Ruth's legacy continues through 70

great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren, all of whom she treasured. Beyond those listed above, she was preceded in death by loved ones and is survived by many beloved members of her extended family.

A graveside service will be held in Redlands, California, at Hillside Memorial Park on Monday, July 20, 2026 at 1:00 pm where Ruth will be laid to rest. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in Grand Rapids, MI at the Raybrook Manor Chapel. In lieu of flowers, please consider a Memorial Gift to the Christian School of your choice in the name of Ruth Van Grouw-Bandstra.