Obituary of Ruth Petter

Roelofje (Ruth) Petter, passed away on November 13, 2013, with her family by her side at the age of 92, in Buhl, Idaho. Ruth was born in Hasselt, the Netherlands to Johannes Vander Horst and Roelofje Holtrust Vander Horst on May 13, 1921. She was the only daughter with 3 younger brothers. She completed her education in the Netherlands. “Wel gebogen maar niet gebroken” we were bent but not broken. This wartime motto was displayed in her home. It was words that she lived by and instilled into her family, as well as the value of hard work. In 1944 during the occupation Ruth received her Driver’s License, and drove cattle truck for her family. Ruth endured five years of the occupation of Holland during WWII, and was an active participant in the underground efforts to hide and protect French and English fighter pilots whose planes were shot down near their home. On October 3, 1946, she married the love of her life, Jan Petter. Sometime after the war Ruth and Jan were awarded the distinguished Silver Cross from the Netherlands for their heroic efforts during the war. In 1947 they immigrated to the United States on the freight ship Leerdam, and after 16 days through storms and rough seas, she was grateful to see the Statue of Liberty. Ruth became an American Citizen in 1954. Ruth lived for a time in Bellflower, California, where they welcomed their identical triplet sons, Jack, John and Harry. Their family was later joined by another son, Ralph. In 1953 they moved to Mount Vernon, Washington, to begin operating their dairy farm. It was in Mount Vernon that the 5th son, Gerhardt was born. In 1974 Ruth lost her husband Jan. Ruth began working at Skagit Valley hospital where she mended the linens. Her hands were never idle. She loved to knit and sew, and each year provided her grandchildren with homemade slippers. Even in her later years she made baby booties for the Pregnancy Crisis Center and hats for the cancer patients who had lost their hair. Ruth was a member of the Mount Vernon Christian Reformed Church. Ruth traveled with her friends throughout most of the United States and Canada. She never forgot to send a postcard during her travels so the family could keep track of her exciting adventures. In August of this year, Ruth moved to Buhl, Idaho, so she could be closer to some of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Jan, and her three brothers. Ruth is survived by her sons, John, Jack (Tena), and Harry all of Buhl, Idaho, Ralph (Candi) of Bellingham, Washington, and Gerhardt (Eynon) of Ontario, California, grandchildren Rob Petter, Jennifer (Tony) Yost, Rachael (Shawn) Hunsaker, Alan Petter, Angie (Dave) Beech, Rebbecca (Jeremy) Dierst, and Sarah (Jay) Warhol, as well as numerous great-grandchildren. The family of Ruth Petter would like to thank Marlys Holder at Mountain Glen retirement as well as the Staff of River Rock Care Center for their compassionate care. Interment will be at Hawthorn Memorial Park on Nov 22 at 11 am in Mount Vernon, Washington . Celebration of Ruth’s life will held at 11:00 am on Monday, November 18th at Rosenau Funeral home with Brian Vriesman officiating. Family and friends are encouraged to share their memories of Ruth at www.rosenaufuneralhome.com