Ruth DeGroot

Ruth Marie DeGroot, 84, of Billings, MT entered eternal life on September 11, 2016. She was born November 22, 1931 in Hendricks, MN to Albert and Esther (Stefferud) Anderson. She attended her school years in Hendricks and graduated in 1949. She also attended Nettleton Business College. On June 23, 1952, she married John DeGroot. Ruth and John lived and worked raising their seven children and running their family business for over 50 years. Ruth was a loving mother and grandmother who enjoyed spending time playing cards, dominoes, baking cookies, picking berries, fishing and collecting angels. During retirement they enjoyed their many travels to Holland, Saudi Arabia, and eventually settling in the sunshine of New Mexico making many new friends. After John's passing, Ruth made her home with her daughter Michelle in Billings, where she was well loved and cared for. She will be greatly missed by many. John preceded her in death after 58 years of marriage. She was also preceded in death by her parents; her in-laws George and Ina DeGroot; her brother Norman and brothers-in-law. She is survived by seven children Marilyn (LaRee) Schnabel, Jon DeGroot, Jim (Paula) DeGroot, Jeff DeGroot, Michelle (Bill) Thomas, Melissa (Loren) Kmett, and Jason (Charlene) DeGroot; fifteen grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; sisters-in-law, and one very special “sister” Gert Witkop. Cremation has taken place and a Memorial Service will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, September 17, 2016 at Dahl Funeral Chapel. Inurnment will be later at the National Cemetery in Bayard, NM, next to her husband John.