Ruth Van Aartsen

Rock Rapids, IA CLICK HERE TO WATCH FUNERAL SERVICE

Ruth Van Aartsen, age 95 of Rock Rapids, IA passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Lyon Specialty Care in Rock Rapids.

A funeral service will be at 2:00 PM, March 21, 2026, at First Reformed Church in Rock Rapids, Iowa with Pastor Steve Van Wyhe officiating.

Visitation will take place on Friday, March 20th from 5:00 to 7:00 PM with family present, at First Reformed Church in Rock Rapids.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to First Reformed Church Rock Rapids, Children's & Youth Ministry or the Senior Companion Program.

Ruth Eleanor (DeBuhr) Van Aartsen, was born March 8, 1931, to Rev Peter and Ella (Klinger) DeBuhr in Herman, Minnesota. A woman defined by her faith in God, a servant’s heart and unwavering love for family, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2026. Ruth’s early years were shaped by her father’s ministry, taking them to Bethel Reformed Church near Ellsworth, MN. After her father's death, the family moved to Rock Rapids, Iowa in 1945. A 1949 graduate of Rock Rapids High School, Ruth worked at the Rock Rapids Telephone Company, then at Pinky's Restaurant where she met the love of her life, John Van Aartsen. The two were wed on January 10, 1950, at Bethel Reformed Church, beginning a 72-year journey together. They raised five children on a farm south of Rock Rapids before moving into town in 1965. Ruth worked at Coast to Coast , then began a 23 year career at Hy-Vee Drug Store. After "retiring" Ruth fulfilled her true passion of caring for children through working at Kids Club Daycare and several years of running an in-home daycare with her husband, John. Above all, Ruth’s favorite pastime was spending time with her own children and grandchildren.

Ruth was a gifted hostess who believed no one should ever leave her home hungry. Her kitchen was the heart of the home, famous for "Sunday Morning Coffee" and "Van Aartsen Sundays," where a fresh batch of bars, homemade cookies, and a hot pot of coffee were always waiting. Her hands were rarely still; she spent countless hours knitting and crocheting blankets, and embroidering towels—tangible gifts of love that her family will cherish forever.

Ruth’s legacy lives on through the family she taught by quiet example: to serve others, to love unconditionally, and to honor her Savior. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 72 years, John; her parents; and her siblings. 

Those left to cherish her memory are her five children including: Debra (Dale) Parker of Casa Grande, AZ, Steve Van Aartsen of Sioux Falls, SD, Randy (Susan) Van Aartsen of Pewaukee, WI, Cindy (Randy) Bosch of Rock Rapids, IA, and Stan (Marie) Van Aartsen of Prairie du Sac, WI; 16 grandchildren including: Julie (James) Fowler, Robyn (Cody) Kranz, Lisa (Scott) Rupp, Dale Parker Jr., Heather (Jaron) De Wit, Michael Van Aartsen, Luke (Sandra) Lerdal, Nora (Everett) Oldenburg, Reva Johnson, Daniel (Siobhan) Van Aartsen, Krista (Dylan) Sincere, Joshua Van Aartsen, Nikki (Jereme) Thomas, Dustin (Taylor) Bosch, Amy Van Aartsen and Abby (Ben) DuCharme; 30 great grandchildren; her brother-in-law Henry Van Aartsen; senior companion friend, Karen LeMonds; along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, John (2022); siblings, Calvin (Pearl) DeBuhr, Margaret (Wert) Huisman, Amanda (Harm) Becker, Christina (Joe) Wessels, Herman (Ethel) DeBuhr, and Elmer (Alma) DeBuhr; and daughter-in-law, Patty Van Aartsen.