Ruth E. VanGinkel

October 31, 1918 - April 16, 2011

RUTH VANGINKEL NORWAY- Ruth E. VanGinkel age 92 of Norway, died Saturday, April 16, 2011 at Manor Health Care Services in Kingsford, MI. She was born on October 31, 1918 in Vulcan, the daughter of the late Tobias and Elizabeth (Davey) Thomas. Ruth graduated from Vulcan High School in 1936. Ruth married Caesar Groeneveld on April 26, 1941 at Vulcan Methodist Church. He preceded her in death on April 25, 1956. She married Raymond VanGinkel on May 8, 1972 at Grace United Methodist Church, he preceded her in death on November 20, 1986. Ruth was a life-long member of Grace United Methodist Church, where she sang in the choir and was a member of the United Methodist Women and Guild. She was an active member of the Norway-Vulcan Senior Center and their craft class, a member of TOPS Club, Inc. and the Jake Menghini Historical Museum. She worked for six years as an aide to Dr. David Reath, Veterinarian. She traveled through all of the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii and to England and Scotland. She enjoyed reading, gardening, especially flowers, crafts, knitting and crocheting, and spending time with her family and grandchildren. Ruth is survived by her sons Jerry (Michele) Groeneveld of Two Harbors, MN, James Groeneveld of Norway and David (Kathy) Groeneveld of Vulcan; daughter Nancy (Joseph) Haferkorn of Norway; 10 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; 4 great great grandchildren; brothers Calvin (Lorraine) Thomas of Quinnesec and Gordon Thomas of Kingsford; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her daughter Ruth Ann Groeneveld; and brothers Kenneth, Norman, Marvin and Cecil Thomas. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 20 from 9-11 a.m. at Grace United Methodist Church in Norway. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Grace United Methodist Church, with Pastor James Britt, officiating. Interment will follow at the Norway Township Cemetery. The family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ruth’s name to the Grace United Methodist Church.