Marion DeRuyter, 85, of Cedar Grove, passed away on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at Cedar Grove Gardens.
Marion was born on April 25, 1940, in Cedar Grove to Walter and Zina (Huibregtse) DeRuyter. Marion graduated in 1958 from Cedar Grove High School. After high school, Marion attended Hope College for two years, Lakeland College for one year, graduating from Hope College in 1962 with a bachelor’s degree.
Marion then attended Northwestern University in Evanston, IL and graduated in 1964 with her master’s degree in microbiology. While working on her degree, Marion worked at Northwestern in the research hospital and as a teacher’s assistant.
She was recruited to start the nursing training program at MATC. Marion taught for 18 years and was quietly proud of her education and teaching career. She taught until returning home to farm with her father, when his health was failing. Marion operated Ryland Dairy Farm, where she continued raising registered Holsteins who were descendants of calves she owned as a teenager. She farmed with the help of many neighbors and friends, until her own health was failing.
Marion was a lifetime member of First Reformed Church in Cedar Grove, where she taught Adult Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She accepted Christ into her life at a young age and continued supporting His ministry through her entire life and beyond.
The early years meant driving horses but that soon changed to driving tractors. There was always a large garden to tend, that was used to prepare meals for family and friends. Marion’s hobbies included driving equipment, painting by numbers, and all aspects of dairy farming. Marion enjoyed farm animals, especially dogs and cats, but also trees and nature all around her.
Marion is survived by cousins, aunts, and uncles. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Jean.
A funeral service to celebrate Marion’s life will be held at First Reformed Church in Cedar Grove on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 12:30pm. She will be laid to rest at Cedar Grove Cemetery.
Visitation will be at church from 11:00am until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice or Cedar Grove Fire Department and First Responders.
Wenig Funeral Home in Oostburg is honored to assist the family. Please visit wenigfh.com for more information.
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