Ruth Ann Mulder

Ruth Ann Mulder, a devoted teacher and tireless servant, passed away peacefully at age 81 on Sunday, October 19, 2025, and went home to be with her Lord. For over four decades, Ruth taught young students, including many years at Dutton Christian Schools, leaving a lasting impact on countless young lives. Her commitment to others extended well beyond the classroom. She poured out her heart volunteering at God's Kitchen, serving meals to those who were hungry, and Degage Ministries, where she helped people in need secure critical documents like birth certificates and driver's licenses. Ruth beautifully blended her love for crafting with her passion for ministry by creating and teaching others to make handcrafted gift cards to support the work of International Needs.
Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Bernie; parents, Marvin and Celia Apol; sister, Marilyn (Arn) Essenberg. Ruth will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by her husband, Bill Kaufman; children, Shelly (Tim) VanderMeulen, Kurt Mulder, Shawn Mulder; grandchildren, Emma VanderMeulen (Cody Shumway), and Jacob VanderMeulen; brothers, Marvin (Karen) Apol, Ron (Jan) Apol; and in-laws Trudy and Chris Spoor, Arlene Mulder, Ken Mulder and Dianne Taeckens, Marcia and Gary Glass, and many nieces and nephews. A visitation to celebrate her life will be held at Stroo Funeral Home, 1095 68th St. SE, Grand Rapids, 49508, on Saturday, November 8, from 1 to 4 PM.
Memorial contributions in memory of Ruth may be made to God's Kitchen, https://ccwestmi.org/gods-kitchen-food-and-pantry-services/ or International Needs, https://internationalneeds.us/