In loving memory of

Ruth Ann Hovinga
June 4, 1930 - November 15, 2016

Funeral service for Ruth will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, November 19, 2016 at Grace Baptist Church in Emmetsburg. Burial is in Rush Lake Cemetery, Curlew. The family will greet friends from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday at the funeral home.

Ruth Ann Hovinga, daughter of Guy F. and Ethel R. (Sutherland) Williams, was born June 4, 1930 in Sioux Rapids, Iowa. She attended school in Webb and Mallard, graduating from Mallard High School in 1950.

Ruth farmed near Mallard and Curlew while raising her five children. Ruth was a member of First Baptist Church in Curlew until it's closing, and she became a member of Grace Baptist Church in Emmetsburg after her former church was moved to Emmetsburg.

Ruth enjoyed farming, trucking and going on tractor rides. Playing basketball in high school, Ruth developed a passion for both playing and watching all kinds of sports. She loved to go to her grandchildren's various activities, and she treasured the time spent with family and friends.

On Tuesday, November 15, 2016, Ruth passed away at the Spencer Hospital at the age of 86. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Elizabeth Verner, and a brother, Burness G. Williams and brothers-in-law: Vern Van Kleek and Paul Verner.

She is survived by her children: Jerry Hovinga (Lisa) of Emmetsburg, Judie Hovinga (Joseph Joynt) of Payson, AZ, Joyce Lewis (Scott Henderson) of Pocahontas, Roger Hovinga of Emmetsburg and Jane Butler of Laurens; sister, Mazy Van Kleek of Spencer; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren: Christopher Lewis (Kacie) and their daughter, Addalyn, Nathan Hovinga (Kaycee Pettit) and their daughters:, Jozee and Kaylee, Dakota Laidig (Brandon) and their son, Levi, Annie Butler and Bradley Butler; sister-in-law, Iva (Ivy) Williams of Ruthven and many other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Maureen/Joel Horsley wrote on Dec 11, 2016:

"Such a nice, hard working mother n farmer. Enjoyed our visits. Sympathy, "

Sandy and Steve Jones wrote on Dec 2, 2016:

"Sorry to hear of your loss. Always enjoyed visiting with her when I seen her. Your in our prayers. "

Marcia Beatty wrote on Nov 27, 2016:

"So sorry for your loss Our thoughts & prayers are with you Tony & Marcia"

john p. perdue wrote on Nov 25, 2016:

"Ruth was such a good friend to my mother...Alice perdue ... My sympathy to the family"

Marilyn Fehr wrote on Nov 22, 2016:

"To all the Hovinga Family, I so enjoyed visiting with our mom through the years. She was such a hard worker all her life, and loved the outside. I remember her driving the truck of corn to town when dad would shell corn out of the crib. Ruth, was so proud of her family, as she would talk about you all often. She is now at peace , and with your memories may they keep your heart warm for a long time Dave & Marilyn Leslein Fehr"

Tony and Marcia Beatty wrote on Nov 19, 2016:

"So sorry for your loss... Sincere sympathies to family "

Keith and Diane Van Kleek wrote on Nov 18, 2016:

"Many many fond memories of playing cards at the lake with Ruth. Seemed like our families were always together for some holiday or a celebration."

Matt and Cara Kreutner wrote on Nov 18, 2016:

"Sorry for your families loss you have our condolences"

Fred leuer wrote on Nov 18, 2016:

"Sending our deepest sympathy to your family Love & prayers, Fred & Shirley Leuer"

Joe & Linda Schaller wrote on Nov 17, 2016:

"Our Deepest Sympathy! Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers!!"

Velma Johnson wrote on Nov 17, 2016:

"To Ruth's family Sorry to hear of your loss. Try to remember the happy times. God bless."

Steve & Darcy Kabela wrote on Nov 17, 2016:

"Sorry for the loss of your mother grandmother & great grandmother. Thinking of you in this tough time "

Connie Khounlo wrote on Nov 17, 2016:

"Ruth was a wonderful lady and aunt to me, She was very strong willed, but also had a soft side and a Wonderful Smile, Now she smile's down on us and wants us to be Happy. We continue on for Aunt Ruth. Angel Kisses."

Julie Kuecker wrote on Nov 17, 2016:

"Hold tight to memories of your Mom for comfort, lean on your friends for strength, and always remember how much you are cared about. Such a sweet lady Ruth was!"

Shirley (Duis) Petersen wrote on Nov 16, 2016:

"For all Ruth's family--I am so very sorry to learn of Ruth's passing. She and my mother, Glenys Duis, were such close friends for so many years. Mom is at Luther Park Assisted Living now, gradually getting 'foggy'. I will tell her tomorrow (Thursday) of Ruth's death. I'm certain she will remember her dear friend. We both used to chuckle at how tough Ruth was, yet my mother saw a softer side of Ruth that not too many others knew of. Again, our sympathies to all of you. "