Ruth Van Engen

Ruth Van Engen, 89, of Sioux Center, IA died Sunday, August 24, 2014, at Royale Meadows Care Center of Sioux Center. A visitation will be held on Thursday from 4-8PM, with the family present from 5-7PM at the Memorial Funeral Home of Sioux Center. A prayer service for family and friends will be held on Friday at 10:00AM at the Faith Christian Reformed Church of Sioux Center. Interment will follow the prayer service in Memory Gardens Cemetery of Sioux Center. A memorial service will be held on Friday at 11:00AM at the Faith Christian Reformed Church with Rev. Van Rathbun officiating. The Van Engen family prefers memorials to the Sioux Center Veterans Memorial Project c/o Sioux Center Veterans Foundation. Ruth Van Engen passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 24, 2014 at Royale Meadows Care Center, Sioux Center, Iowa at the age of eighty nine years, four months, and nineteen days. Ruth was born on April 5, 1925 in Doon, Iowa to John and Kate (Van Surksum) Oostra. Ruth's early employment included helping area families with housekeeping, childcare and assisting on the family farm. On February 11, 1948, she was united in marriage to Gerrit Van Engen of Sioux Center, Iowa. In later years she touched the lives of many through her in-home daycare for numerous families, serving over 40 children in the Sioux Center area. Her gentle and caring spirit allowed her to be a mentor to many young children, affectionately being known as "Auntie Ruth" or "Grandma Ruth." Ruth was a member of Central Reformed Church and served on the afternoon circle. She was a part of the Dinner Date while residing at the New Homestead. Ruth's spare time was spent doing gardening, embroidery, puzzles, and other crafts, and keeping up with the sport teams of her grandchildren and college basketball. Ruth and Gerrit's marriage was blessed with six children, eight grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren: Linda and Marlyn Zeutenhorst their two children and families, Gary and Kim Zeutenhorst (Ellie, Janae, Kendra, Jarrett), Becky and Tim Dykshorn (Hannah, Charlie, Luke) all of Sioux Center; John (deceased); John and Kae Van Engen of Sioux Center, their two children and families: Katie and Dr. Brian Vander Ley (Gerrit, Gavin, Johanna) of Columbia, MO, Merribeth and Lucas De Groot (Olivia, Nora, Violet) of Oskaloosa, IA; Arlin (deceased); Dr. Alvin and Sue Kelly-Van Engen of Sioux Center, their two sons: Nicholas of Ames, IA, Matthew of Sioux Center; Laura and Phil Van Roekel of Ankeny, IA, their two sons: Ben of Austin, TX, and Jacob of Roanoke, VA. Ruth is also survived by five siblings: Mary Grooters of Hull, Jake Oostra of Rock Valley, Bill Oostra of Winneconne, WI, Andrew Oostra of Rock Valley, and Robert Oostra of Hull and several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband; two infant sons; parents and eight siblings. Ruth was known by her family as a prayer warrior, who was constant in her faith and encouraging in her words. The best memories were around the Sunday dinner table where mom served, roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans and Boston Crme Pie. Her influence will always be cherished.