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BORN
1928
DIED
2025
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Ruth Ringenberg Obituary
May 14, 1928 - November 19, 2025
BLOOMINGTON - Ruth B. Ringenberg of Bloomington, Ill., entered into the presence of her Lord on November 19, 2025, at 97 years of age. She was born on May 14, 1928, in rural Pella, Iowa, to Gerrit and Sara (Buwalda) Van Gorp, the seventh of eleven children.
She married Marvin W. DePenning on September 25, 1947, and together they had three boys: Steven, Dwight and Mark. Though Ruth was raised in a God-fearing home, she came to put her personal faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior as a young mother.
Ruth expected to be a farmer's wife, but the Lord called her husband into Christian ministry. During his two pastorates at Carlisle, Iowa and Alton, Illinois, she faithfully contributed to this work. Her most notable gift was hospitality and many enjoyed being in their home and eating her delicious meals. She also loved singing, playing the piano and guitar, and visiting those needing encouragement and care. She was known as a person of prayer.
Her first husband died suddenly on August 23, 1987, at which time she moved to Greer, S.C., to be near her youngest son. Then she was introduced to Vernon Ringenberg of Bloomington, Ill., and they were married on May 6, 1994. They made their home in Bloomington for the rest of their years, being active in their church and its ministries. Vernon passed away on February 6, 2024.
Ruth is survived by two siblings, Dorothy Van Der Pol and Eugene (Luanna) Van Gorp, both of Oskaloosa, Iowa; her three sons, Steven DePenning of Florida, Dwight (Sheila) DePenning of Minnesota, and Mark (Frieda) DePenning of South Carolina; two stepsons, Dan (Jerrine) Ringenberg of Wisconsin, and Paul (Donna) Ringenberg of South Carolina; as well as 24 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; and 7 great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 24th at Bible Baptist Church, 814 Jersey Avenue, Normal, Ill., with visitation at 10 a.m. and the service at 11 a.m. Interment will be at 1 p.m. the following day in the Silent City Cemetery, Monroe, Iowa. Memorials may be directed to Bible Tracts, Inc., POB 130, Dwight, IL 60420.
Please view the details and share your condolences and memories online at www.calvertmemorial.com
Memories and Condolences
for Ruth Ringenberg
Sponsored by Beck Memorial Home.
3 Entries
Ken and Conni Devore
November 22, 2025
Our prayers go out for Ruth´s family and friends. She was an amazing lady. We were church friends and we knew we could count on her prayers.
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Karen Cole
November 21, 2025
Heaven gains a wonderful soul with that gracious smile. Ruth was always the same ..so joyful and loving. May God bless you as you celebrate Ruth´s lif
Lynda (Jones) Umbarger
November 21, 2025
Hello, Ringenberg families. So sorry for the loss of your mother, Ruth. She was a super fine lady all the years that I knew her. Also your father, Vernon. They were so loved by everybody when we were all at the CBC in Normal, IL on N. School Street. They would have known me as Lynda Jones at the time. I worked with Vernon at the bank in Bloomington for several years.
They were both so wonderful to be around and friendly and happy at church or anywhere. Always together and so loving. I will always remember them. May God bless all of you at this time. Sending Love to all of you. You children were all in the nursery when I went there. I now live in Nashville, TN area. Be Safe.
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