In Memory Of
Ruth Anne Wilson
2023
2023
Ruth Anne Wilson
May 11, 2023 — October 27, 2023
Wilson, Ruth Anne Ritsema --- Was born 11 May 1949 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, daughter of Matthew and Virginia (Upton) Ritsema. She married Ronald Dean Wilson 08 August 1970. Ruth died on 27 October 2023 in her sleep at her home following several health challenges.
Ruth attended high school in Jackson, Michigan, graduating in 1967 from Parkside High. She received her bachelor's degree in education from Central Michigan University, and her masters from the University of Michigan.
After meeting in the Migrant Ministry Program, Ruth and Ron started their married life in Dubuque, Iowa. After Ron's ordination as a minister in the Presbyterian Church, they served the church in Jackson and Dearborn, Michigan; Eau Claire, Wisconsin; and Owatonna, Minnesota. They retired to Kansas City, Kansas.
Ruth taught elementary school children for years in the Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin School District while living in Eau Claire. She particularly enjoyed engaging the children in nature and science related projects. In later years, Ruth was active in human rights. She had a wide variety of interests, including books, music, sewing, quilting and other crafts, birding, nature walks, football, and foremost, family and pets.
Ruth is survived by her husband, Ron; daughter, Amy Wilson Messina; grandchildren, Coda (Tommy) Holmden and Skyler Messina; and her faithful canine companion, Titus, all in the Kansas City area. She also is survived by her mother, Virginia Ritsema of Jackson, Michigan; aunt, Linda Upton of Ann Arbor, Michigan; and sisters, Sue and Jean Ritsema of Jackson, Michigan; and several cousins. She was preceded in death by her father, Matthew Ritsema.
A brief graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at Memorial Park Cemetery, 3616 SW 6th Ave., Topeka.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Deacon's Fund at Pine Ridge Presbyterian Church, 7600 NW Barry Road, Kansas City, MO 64153.
To share a memory of Ruth or leave a special message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.
Ruth attended high school in Jackson, Michigan, graduating in 1967 from Parkside High. She received her bachelor's degree in education from Central Michigan University, and her masters from the University of Michigan.
After meeting in the Migrant Ministry Program, Ruth and Ron started their married life in Dubuque, Iowa. After Ron's ordination as a minister in the Presbyterian Church, they served the church in Jackson and Dearborn, Michigan; Eau Claire, Wisconsin; and Owatonna, Minnesota. They retired to Kansas City, Kansas.
Ruth taught elementary school children for years in the Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin School District while living in Eau Claire. She particularly enjoyed engaging the children in nature and science related projects. In later years, Ruth was active in human rights. She had a wide variety of interests, including books, music, sewing, quilting and other crafts, birding, nature walks, football, and foremost, family and pets.
Ruth is survived by her husband, Ron; daughter, Amy Wilson Messina; grandchildren, Coda (Tommy) Holmden and Skyler Messina; and her faithful canine companion, Titus, all in the Kansas City area. She also is survived by her mother, Virginia Ritsema of Jackson, Michigan; aunt, Linda Upton of Ann Arbor, Michigan; and sisters, Sue and Jean Ritsema of Jackson, Michigan; and several cousins. She was preceded in death by her father, Matthew Ritsema.
A brief graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at Memorial Park Cemetery, 3616 SW 6th Ave., Topeka.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Deacon's Fund at Pine Ridge Presbyterian Church, 7600 NW Barry Road, Kansas City, MO 64153.
To share a memory of Ruth or leave a special message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ruth Anne Wilson, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Graveside Service
Saturday, November 11, 2023
Starts at 11:00 am (Central time)
SW 6th Avenue
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