Josephine "Jo" Ruth Ringelberg

Josephine Ruth Ringelberg, age 89, passed away at the Agape Home – Blueberry Fields on July 5, 2025. Jo, as she preferred to be called, was born on July 13, 1935 in North Blendon one of eight children born to Peter & Gertrude (Smith) Driesenga.

Jo graduated from Marne High School and soon after married the love of her life, Doug Ringelberg, a man with a boat. Jo was not fond of the water, and she was prone to being seasick, but her love for Doug got her on the boat, and the rest was history. Their favorite part of their life together was running their boat up and down the lake shore in the summer, and when they eventually retired in Naples, they had a boat there as well.

The couple would eventually grow into a family of four with the births of their children, Terry and Keli. Jo was a woman with a deep faith, and she raised her children with strong Christian values. When the children were growing, Jo was active in their activities and helping at the school.

As the children got older, Jo started working outside the home. She worked with event planners helping with catering and photography. Jo loved to sew, and for many years she would display and sell her creations at area arts and craft shows. Her favorite job was being a flower designer for a florist in Naples.

A friendly and outgoing soul, Jo loved to chit-chat with anyone she met. She was always the last to leave church, making the rounds to say hello to everyone. For years, Jo held garage sales at her home on Russwood, most years she would declutter and have three sales a year. Having shoppers visit, was always a fun time for Jo.

When Jo became a grandma, she cherished her new name of “Gram”. She was as involved in her grandchildren’s lives as she was her children’s, instilling in everyone the importance of family. She leaves a legacy of faith and love for all who knew her.

Jo was preceded in death by her husband Douglas in 2011, her brothers Jay and Dale Driesenga, her sisters-in-law Patricia and Faith and her brother-in-law Bill Kuiper.

Jo is survived by her children: Terry Ringelberg and Keli (Steve) Murphy, her grandchildren: Shannon (Timothy) Carigan and Shawn (Leah) Ringelberg, her great-grandson Timothy Carigan, her brother Harold Driesenga, her sisters: Elaine Kuiper, Arloa (Fred Chin) Rimer, Barb Searle and Kathy (Hal) Warner and her sisters-in-law Harlene and Judy Driesenga as well as many other relatives.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Details will be posted when confirmed.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.