Died September 2, 2024
Ruth Phyllis Koeze was born in Oak Lawn, Illinois on December 22, 1940. She passed away on September 2, 2024 after a sudden decline in her health. She was 83 years old.
Ruth was predeceased by her husband of 51 years, A. Scott Koeze. She was also predeceased by her parents, Claude and Grace Teggelaar, and her brother John “Jack” Teggelaar. Ruth is survived by her children, Jeffrey Koeze (Katharine), Cynthia Koeze (Jerry Bell) and Kristin Sterkenburg (Ryan). She is also survived by her four grandchildren and one great grandchild. After their marriage in 1960, Ruth and Scott lived in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area, eventually retiring to Northport, Michigan. Ruth was a skilled skier and very competitive on the tennis court. In retirement she loved spending lazy Sundays fishing on Lake Leelanau. Ruth was also an avid gardener, an excellent cook and gracious hostess. At their ranch in Northport, Ruth and Scott raised horses and cared for many rescue dogs and cats over the years. They enjoyed traveling to Aspen in their early days, and Naples, Florida and Santa Fe, New Mexico in later years.
Ruth and Scott were generous contributors to many charities. After Scott’s death Ruth was the primary benefactor of the Koeze Business Ethics Initiative at Grand Valley State University and the Koeze Stable Garden at The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park in Traverse City.
Visitation will be held on October 4th , 2024 from 4 -7pm at Martinson Funeral Home, 115 N St. Joseph Street, Suttons Bay, MI. A private memorial and burial service in East Leland Cemetery will be held for family only.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Great Lakes Humane Society, 7246 E Harrys Rd, Traverse City, MI 49684.
Please share condolences with the family at www.martinson.info Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.
