Ronald Joseph DeRuiter

Ronald was born in Battle Creek, Michigan on December 9, 1937 to Edith (Maatman) and Joseph DeRuiter. He graduated from Battle Creek Central High School in 1955, where he was a member of the marching band. After high school, he attended Parsons Business School. In June of 1960, he married Kay Norris. They were married for 40 years. Ron and Kay had two children, Mark and Lori Ann. Ronald was preceded in death by his wife, Kay, daughter, Lori and his sister, Jeanne Brandes.  

In 2004, he married Carol Zomer-DeRuiter. Ronald is survived by his wife of 20 years; son, Mark; stepson and daughter, David (Villo) Zomer and Ann Nabozny; ten grandchildren and two great-granddaughters; and sister, Doris (Roger) Peekstok; sister-in-law, Ann Meengs; four nieces and many special friends.

Ron was an avid golfer and music lover. He directed church choirs, sang with a gospel quartet for many years and served on various church committees. Before Ron retired, he was the owner of Food City Pickle Co. in the Battle Creek/Marshall area. After he retired, he treated himself to a Corvette convertible. What fun he had with that as he always loved new cars! The last 20 years of Ron’s life, he and Carol spent their winters as snowbirds in Orlando, Florida where they enjoyed golf and all the many friends that they made. Over the years, Ron enjoyed cruises he took with friends and his and Carol’s trips to visit Hungary and Italy where they had grandchildren. One summer, they spent six weeks working at a church camp in Italy. Ron’s strong faith sustained him all his life through many ups and downs. His music was really how he worshipped and how he received much peace. 

The last year, he lived at Heritage Assisted Living in Battle Creek. He seldom missed a music event while there. We are thankful for the love and care he received from the staff at Heritage and for the wonderful end of life care he received in his last days at Centrica Care Navigators Rose Arbor Place. 

Ron’s memorial service will be held at Bethany Reformed Church in Kalamazoo (1833 South Burdick) officiated by the Reverends David Zomer and Daniel Stohrer on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. followed by fellowship time and a reception in the church social hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that, if you wish to honor Ron’s life, you make a contribution to Bethany Reformed Church or Centrica Care Navigators (Rose Arbor Place, 7100 Stadium Drive). Envelopes are available at the service. Arrangements by the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal messages for Ron’s family may be shared at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.