Ackie Ruth VanderWaal

life story

Celebrating the Love and the Life of this special Woman

I have fought the good fight,

I have finished the race,

I have kept the faith...

2 Timothy 4:7

The Glory of Ruth's Life

Our beloved Mother passed away in hospice care at Presbyterian Homes in Bloomington, MN on June 26, 2021. She was born on April 21st, 1929 as the youngest child to Benjamin and Gertrude Vogelaar, survived by her two sons (Joel and David), her daughter-in-laws (Debbie and Tina), her six grandchildren, and her three great-grandchildren. She also is survived by her loving nieces and nephews, who very much loved their "Auntie Ruthie".

Ruth's formal first name of Ackie was given to Mom in honor of her older brother Ackerman who died while Mom was still in the womb. As part of the "greatest generation" she grew up in the nearly 100% Dutch town of Pella, Iowa graduating from Pella High and from the local college, Central in 1950. She was a smart, beautiful young woman who people naturally gravitated towards. She was always very social and made friends easily.

In 1951, she married John VanderWaal and started a life of supporting his teaching career journey, as well as always having a career of her own. She was a dedicated educator, teaching and earning a Masters Degree in Library Science from the University of Illinois. They moved multiple places in the early years, from New Jersey to New York to Pella, to Florida, and finally to Bloomington, Illinois where they settled for over 13 years.

Ruth had two sons during those moves, Joel and David, who became the joys of her life. She was an incredible Mother who always had time to love and support her sons, even while also holding down full-time jobs. She set the mold for the "working mother" role that is so common today. For Joel and David, Mom became our moral compass and supportor.

Some of her proudest moments was when she mentored students as the librarian at Vushion High School in inner city St. Louis.

Ruth was a vociferous traveler, having visited over 50 countries in her life, including a year-long stint living near Calcutta, India. She had a zest for life and learning which fueled all of her days.

She lived her life thru her 50s and 60s in St. Louis, where she had much joy with her garden and experiencing the many cultural events that St. Louis could offer. After St. Louis, John and Ruth made the decision to move to Minneapolis area to be closer to family.

Ruth's later years were devoted to family. She loved being a grandmother and had the blessing of also becoming a great-grandmother to three beautiful children.

Ruth loved her family, gardening, reading books, and travel. She touched so many people in her life in ways that will resonate long after her departure here on our Earth. She will be dearly missed by all of us.

memorial service

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