Ruth (Velting) Kool, age 90, went home to be with her Lord on December 25, 2022. She is survived, and will be lovingly missed, by her husband John P. Kool; children, John J. (Brenda) Kool, Debra (Dave) Engebretsen, James (Pat) Kool, Kenneth (Elisabeth) Kool, and Karen (Mark) Edwards; 16 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren; sister, Pearl (Jack) Hoffius; brother, David (Joan) Velting; sisters-in-law, Gloria Velting, Phillis Velting, and Wilma VanZanten; brother-in-law, Jay Kool; as well has many nieces and nephews. Ruth was preceded in death by four brothers; and three sisters.  Ruth was born and raised in the SE Grand Rapids area. She and husband John grew up in Berean Bible Church of Wyoming (MI) and moved with the church when it became Rush Creek Bible Church of Byron Center (MI). It must be admitted that it was not church that brought the two together, but the fact that John was friends with Ruth’s older brother. Together, though, Ruth and John were steadfast in bringing their children up in the Lord and attended church pretty much whenever the doors were open. Ruth was a good friend to many, a great mom, a wonderful wife, and loved by all. Her legacy is seen in her children following the Lord and the ministries with which she was involved in later years: a couple being sending out cards of encouragement (her own initiative) and correcting papers sent in from those taking online courses.  Funeral services will be held at Rush Creek Bible Church, 2334 76th St, Byron Center, MI; Pastor Cameron Townley officiating at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, January 3rd, 2023. Relatives and friends can meet with Ruth’s family from 10:00 AM until the service begins. Ruth expressed the desire that if anyone wishes to make a donation in her memory, the donation be made to the Rush Creek Bible Church Building fund.