Photo courtesy of Adams Funeral Chapel - Charleston
Feb 16, 1940 - May 1, 2012
Margaret and family, so sorry for your loss. Your dad was a wonderful person. I can remember being at your house long ago and he would tease us about being bad luck if the Cubs were loosing! I ran into your parents at a Christmas party a few years ago and really enjoyed our visit. Peace be with your family.
Debbie Fitzpatrick
May 14, 2012 | Charleston, IL
We are so sorry for your loss. I remember Garret as the guy I saw almost daily in the locker room ready to get in that pool! I enjoyed chatting with him about the history of our house on West Johnson. Both Mary and I had a great chuckle at finding all the wire holders for the baby food jars that held jewelry parts when we remodeled our family room on West Johnson. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Mark and Mary McGuire
May 10, 2012 | Charleston, IL
In the late 1980s, I arrived a little late for a lecture from a visiting artist in Normal, IL. The room was dark as there was a slide show. The artist said something funny and from the back of the room I heard a distinctive sort of goofy laugh. I KNEW that wonderful laugh from somewhere. It had been about 10 years since I had Garret for my intro jewelry class. I became a jeweler, and he was a inspiring instructor. My sympathy to family and close friends. We'll all miss his warm laugh.
Stan Guill
May 08, 2012 | Peoria, IL
My deepest sympathies to the extended Deruiter family. Garret was a kind and very compassionate man. He was a wonderful art professor liked and respected by all. He will be missed!
kipp kruse
May 07, 2012 | Charleston, IL
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
ira barrett
May 07, 2012 | Ft Collins, CO
I can say that Lauri spoke for me in her post here! Dad was such a wonderful, warm, incredible man. He and my Mom gave us such an incredible childhood. It's nice to hear how he touched others lives the way that we saw him touch ours. Please keep posting!!
Leslie DeRuiter
May 05, 2012 | Phoenix, AZ
With heartfelt sympathy
Jalee Cox
May 05, 2012 | Charleston, IL
I so enjoyed seeing Garret in Rich Cavanaugh's office during the week before the Adult Fitness swim time at noon. His big smile and witty sense of humor brightened many a day for me. There was a positive, charitable energy about him...such a kind and giving man. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Barb Walker
May 05, 2012 | Charleston, IL
There is a saying that a teacher can never really know the extent of his or her impact on the lives of those whom they have taught. I took jewelry making with Professor DeRuiter many many years ago. Not only do I treasure the pieces I created, but I treasure the knowledge I received from this very talented man. I thank him for enriching my life.
Paula Herron
May 04, 2012 | Mattoon, IL
CHARLESTON, IL – Garret W. DeRuiter, age 72 of Charleston, passed away following a lengthy illness on Tuesday, May 1, 2012 at his home and in the comforting and loving presence of his family. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 in the St. Philip Neri Chapel at the EIU Newman Catholic Center located at 500 Roosevelt Avenue in Charleston with Father John Titus presiding. Inurnment will be in Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Bethalto, Illinois at a later time. Visitation for family and friends will also be held on Tuesday (May 8) from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the Newman Catholic Center. Garret's family has requested that memorial gifts in his honor be made to Lincolnland Hospice or to the EIU Newman Catholic Center. Gifts may be left on the memorial table at the Visitation or Mass or mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL 61920.
Garret was born February 16, 1940 in Evergreen Park, Illinois, a son of the late Garret and Laverna (Lanning) DeRuiter. He married Marilyn Hayes on September 7, 1963 in East Alton, Illinois and they have been blessed with forty-eight years of marriage and friendship. In addition to Marilyn, Garret is survived by three loving and devoted daughters, Lauri DeRuiter-Willems and husband John of Charleston, Leslie Kaye DeRuiter of Phoenix, Arizona, Margaret Combs of Oak Park, Illinois; six delightful grandchildren, Danielle and Taylor Gadus, Garret, Kenneth and Morgan Hudson, Evangelina "Evie" Combs; nieces, nephews and cousins as well as extended family; brothers-in-law, Larry and (Judy) Hayes of Bethalto and Robert Hayes of Millstadt, Illinois. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother, Donald A. DeRuiter.
Garret attained both his Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Fine Arts Degrees from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. He enjoyed a thirty-five year relationship with Eastern Illinois University as a Professor in the Art Department instructing in the art of jewelry and metalsmithing; and also as a Coordinator of Faculty Development.
Garret was a faithful member of the EIU Newman Catholic Center, St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus Council 4024. He also carried membership in the Society of North American Goldsmiths and the EIU Annuitants Association. He volunteered with Coles County Habitat for Humanity since its establishment and was also involved with various other civic and professional organizations. His membership at the Charleston Country Club provided for him numerous hours on the golf course where he so avidly enjoyed the sport of golf.
He was extremely skilled in the art of jewelry and metalsmithing and also enjoyed working with wood and crafting furniture. He was a worldwide traveler and he and Marilyn enjoyed traveling extensively. He believed in keeping physically fit and took part in the Adult Fitness Program at EIU where he was an avid swimmer. He enjoyed listening to music but his greatest joy came from spending quality time with his children and grandchildren. He was a loving and devoted father and shared a special relationship with his grandchildren. Garret was a gentleman who treated others with respect and kindness and rightfully earned the admiration of all who knew him.
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