Ruby Thome

Ruby Ann Snyder Thome, age 91 passed away peacefully on 12/29 after suffering a debilitating stroke a few days earlier. Walter J. Thome, her husband of 64 years, preceded her in death, in 2019. Ruby enjoyed living independently at Freedom Village for the past 30 years. Ruby shared her kindness and positive attitude with everyone she met. She was an obstetrics nurse for over 35 years and enjoyed taking care of the mothers and their babies in the first few days of life. Her hobbies and cherished activities were crocheting afghans, working word puzzles, watching the birds, and watching the children playing sports on the fields across the street, listening to music, attending vespers and bible study and most of all, spreading kindness to everyone she met. She loved lunch with her girlfriends and visiting with her fellow residents of Freedom Village as she took her daily walks. She was an active member of Third Reformed Church of Holland, after being a member of Southfield United Presbyterian Church for several decades prior to moving to Freedom Village. Her unfailing positive attitude and goodness will be dearly missed by all of her family and friends. Ruby is survived by her four children: Martha Humphrey (Richard), Gloria Despard, Sandra Lyon (the late Kenneth Lyon), Andrew Thome (Julie); 5 grandchildren, Benjamin Despard, Dr. Andrew Thome Jr (Dr. Jennifer Kane), Katherine (Nelson) Grumney, Liesl Bauer (Andrew Bauer) and Harrison Thome; 3 great grandchildren; Elizabeth Grumney, Charlie Grumney and George Grumney, as well as many nieces and nephews. Ruby was born in Bicknell, IN on a farm, and was preceded in death by her father Paul H. Snyder, mother Louise Volle Snyder, brothers Donald Snyder and Gerald Snyder, sisters Mary Croney and Doris Marshall. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 20th at 10:00 a.m., in the auditorium at Freedom Village, 145 Columbia Ave. Holland with Reverend James Neevel officiating. Interment took place in Oakview Cemetery, Royal Oak, MI. Memorial contributions may be made to Resilience: Advocates for Ending Violence (formerly Center for Women in Transition) of Holland, MI (https://givebutter.com/MIResilience) where Ruby volunteered. To leave a condolence, or for more information, please visit www.langelandsterenberg.com

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Ruby Thome

October 4, 1932 - December 29, 2023