Ruth Joyce Martin

MARTIN, Ruth Joyce
Vicksburg, Michigan On September 15, 2011, at Rose Arbor Hospice, Ruth went to be with her Lord and Savior after a short illness. Ruth was born March 3rd, 1926, in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Martin and Jenny Hoogesteger Haadsma. Ruth graduated from Hope College in Holland, MI, and in pursuit of a dream to become a Missionary Nurse, received her R.N. license from Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing in Chicago, IL, in 1957. On June 5th, 1957, Ruth married her husband of 54 years, Edwin Albert Martin, whom she met on a blind date while he was a student at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, MI. Giving up her dream of becoming a Missionary Nurse, she instead felt the Lord call her to a life of service as a Pastors wife. Her heart of giving and grace was evident in everything she did. She was the church organist, pianist, choir director, vacation Bible School leader, and sometimes janitor. Ruth spent 18 years as a secretary at Faith Reformed Church in Portage, MI. After retiring she spent the rest of her years volunteering in any faith based program that needed her help. The Stephen's Ministry of Lakeland Reformed Church, where her and Ed have been members for 32 years, was especially close to her heart. Preceding her in death were her Father, Martin Haadsma, her Mother, Jenny Hoogesteger Haadsma, a sister Roberta "Berta" Lovell Haadsma, a brother Raymond "Bud" Haadsma. Surviving are her husband, the Reverend Edwin Albert Martin, Vicksburg, MI, Her son Timothy Charles Penny Martin, Augusta, MI, Her son Jonathan Paul Kathy Martin, Broken Arrow, OK, her daughter Ann Elizabeth Shane Neel, Vicksburg, MI, sisters Marge Eppink, Temple, TX, Mary John Stadt, Fremont, MI, and a brother, Don Delores Haadsma, Grand Rapids, MI. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held Sunday, September 18th, 2011, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 E. Centre St. On Tuesday, September 20th, 2011, a celebration of her moving on to Eternal peace and happiness will be held at 11:00 AM in the Lakeland Reformed Church, 10442 Sprinkle Road, Vicksburg, MI, 49097, with the Doctor Reverend Mark Poppen and Reverend Ed Schmidt officiating. A visitation at church, on Tuesday, will begin at 10:00 a.m. until service time. Immediately following the service a luncheon will be held downstairs in the Family Life Center. Interment will follow the luncheon at Richardson's Cemetery in Brady Township. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Stephen's Ministry program, C/O Lakeland Reformed Church. Please visit www.langelands.com for online obituary, directions, register book and condolences. 269 343-1508