Ruth (Zylman) Ippel

Ruth Ippel (Zylman), aged 92, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, formerly of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, passed from her earthly home into her eternal home, on October 19, 2020, and was greeted by her husband Johnny, her daughter Pat, and her parents, siblings, in-laws, and many dear friends.

Ruth was born in Quincy, Illinois, on August 9, 1928, to Derk and Catherine (Den Boer) Zylman, and at the age of 2 moved to Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Ruth married Johnny on June 18, 1948, and they lived in Sheboygan until 1999 when they moved to Grand Rapids. They were married for 61 years until Johnny’s passing on July 16, 2009.

Ruth enjoyed singing in her church choir in Sheboygan, and she sewed thousands of stuffed animals for the Sheboygan Christian School Women’s Auxiliary. Ruth loved creating beauty through her flower gardens, her baking, her macrame and rosemaling, and through her sewing. In the last third of her life she created many beautiful quilts and wall hangings, by which all of her children and grandchildren have been blessed.   

She is survived by her three children: Jack and Cindy Ippel of Zeeland, Steve and Kathy Ippel of Kentwood, and Jane and Phil Hilbrand of Hudsonville; eight grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren: Jon (Joy) Ippel (Isaac, Kendra, and Ella), Janna (Jonathan) Baker (Ethan, Caleb, and Anelise), Julie (Nick) In’t Hout (Evalyn, Sofia, Noelle, and Simeon), Jodi (Ben) Houseward (Adrian and Hayes), Ben (Amanda) Ippel, (Jayden, Austin, Hannah, Moriah, and Ezekiel), David Ippel, Krista Ippel, and Katie Ippel. Ruth is also survived by her sister-in-law Connie Zylman. 

Cremation has already taken place. A celebration of Ruth’s life will take place at a later date. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Rehoboth Christian School, Faith Hospice, or Raybrook Benevolence Fund.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ruth (Zylman) Ippel, please visit our floral store.