Ruth DeYoung

Ruth Elizabeth DeYoung died Friday, July 12th 2024 at the age of 93. 

She was born February 20th 1931 in Tung An, Fujian, China to missionaries Edwin Walter Koeppe and Elizabeth Mary Renskers. She graduated from Shanghai American School in 1948 and Hope College in 1952. She married Dr. James A DeYoung on August 8th 1952. Jim passed away in July 2014. Together they raised 5 children. She started teaching school in St. Paul, Minnesota where Jim was attending veterinary school, but the birth of their first child in 1953 cut short her teaching career. After Jim graduated in 1956, they moved to Waupun, Wisconsin where Jim set up his veterinary practice.

Jim and Ruth were lifelong members of Trinity Reformed Church. Ruth volunteered in multiple ways both at church and in the community. She directed the church choir for many years and taught Sunday school. She also served as the church’s secretary for many years. She later served the denomination of the Reformed Church in America as a consultant for women’s ministries.

She was elected to multiple terms on the Waupun School board and served as its clerk, treasurer and president. She was a member of the advisory board for Fox Valley Savings and Loan for many years. She also served on the board of Waupun Memorial Hospital and later was a member of the hospital auxiliary. Besides raising 5 children, Ruth was an avid bridge player, ardent knitter and a voracious reader. 

She was preceded in death by her two brothers: Roger and Owen; her husband Jim; and daughter-in-law, Mary Vlieger DeYoung.

She is survived by her children: Steven DeYoung (Kama Jongerius), Dirk DeYoung, Paul DeYoung (Bonnie), Patricia DeYoung (Brad Nauman), and Sarah DeYoung (Scott Mason); 12 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren.

A visitation with family will be held Monday, August 12, 2024 at Werner-Harmsen Funeral Home in Waupun from 4-7 p.m. A private burial will be held at Highland Memorial Gardens in the town of Trenton.

Memorials can be made out to SSM Health at Home or Trinity Reformed Church Youth Program.