Ruthann Fay Vander Horn

Ruthann Fay (Van Solkema) Vander Horn passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 29, 2026, at the age of 84. She was born on January 16, 1942, in Byron Center. She was a resident of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Ruth was born in the family farmhouse in Byron Center. She graduated from South Christian High School and Grand Rapids Junior College as an LPN. She married Don Vander Horn on May 3, 1963. Ruth worked as a nurse until she became a stay-at-home mom a couple years later, going back part time when her five children grew older.

A loving role model for her children and grandchildren, she was a mighty prayer warrior who began each day in an hour of prayer. She lived life to the fullest and had a great sense of humor, making an impact on everyone who met her - from visitors at church to the local pharmacist. Ruth faithfully attended East Leonard Christian Reformed Church for over 60 years. She was a leader of Coffee Break, Friendship Guild, and Bethel Bible study. She played softball with her three daughters for the church team, holding down second base. She loved gardening and maintained a large garden, giving excess produce to family and friends, until she moving to Raybrook in January 2025.

Ruth and Don both volunteered at CRWRC/World Renew for ten years, traveling to help rebuild after disaster relief. She created her own position doing laundry, helping the cooks, leading devotions, and providing the daily joke. She also loved volunteering at the Mission India Super Thrift Store until about a year ago.

Ruth was preceded in death by Don in February 2026; their son, Mike Vander Horn, in 2019; grandson, Jacob Sheler, in May 2026; and siblings Gil Van Solkema, Wes Van Solkema, Maxine Alberda, Crystal Koster, and Byrle Van Solkema.

Ruth is survived by her children Mari Sorokin (Tim), Shari Dykstra (Ron), Vonda Smestad (Jim), and Dan Vander Horn (Angie); grandchildren Brandon (Madeline), Amanda (Nate), Jordan, Josh, Kyle (Michelle), Britany (Mark), Rachel (Blake), Russ, Mason, Mac, Kenzie, Madi, Ryley, and Zach; great-grandchildren Zander and Maverick; sister, Ardyce Bandstra; sister-in-law, Myrna VanSolkema; brother-in-law, Don Alberda; many nieces and nephews; and incredible friends Don and Marilynn Prince.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, June 4, 2026 at Reyers North Valley Chapel, 2815 Fuller Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505. Additional visitation will take place from 2-3 p.m. Friday, June 5 at East Leonard Christian Reformed Church, 1027 Leonard St. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. The funeral service will follow at the same location 3 p.m. Friday, June 5. A luncheon will follow the service.

A private burial will take place at Ft. Custer National Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to Mission India Super Thrift, World Renew, or the Prayer Pavilion at East Leonard CRC. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.reyersnorthvalleychapel.com in their guestbook online.