Wilhelmus (Bill) DeRuyter loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away December 8, 2008 in Yakima. Bill was born on June 18, 1926 in Ilpendam, Holland. At age 21, he immigrated to America along with his parents and siblings and initially settled in Artesia, California. In 1956, Bill met and married Maria (Mary) Tessel and made their home in San Diego, CA, where they owned and operated a dairy and milk store. Together they raised six children. Later the family relocated to Alberhill, CA and subsequently Bill retired due to health reasons. In 1976, the family moved to Washington and settled in the Yakima Valley (Outlook) where their three sons began operating the DeRuyter Brothers Dairy on Van Belle Road. In 1987, Bill & Mary briefly resided in Corona, CA but returned to Sunnyside in 1989.
Bill was a genuine ‘people’ person and truly cherished his relationships with family and friends. He was a man that never hesitated to flash his charming smile to each and every passerby. Bill had a quick-witted personality. Extremely driven by his heart, Bill had indisputable compassion for others. Together with Mary, Bill found great joy in spending time with his children and grandchildren. He lived for their smiles and successes; he was always their number-one fan.
Driving, among other things, was a passion for Bill. Whether it was a speedy errand or a long-haul cross-country trek, Bill found happiness in the simplicity of being behind the wheel. Bill was a fan of music; his favorites included Dean Martin and Dutch accordion music. One could often find Bill playing a heated game of Pinochle (known for his high bidding!) or ‘Thousands’ (similar to Gin Rummy), as he was an avid card player. He loved traveling, and had an irresistible sweet tooth.
In recent years, Bill had a strong drive to compile and complete the ‘DeRuyter Family Genealogy Directory’ that was completed in 2004. With the help of his family, the story of the DeRuyter Family’s immigration has been memorialized, thanks in large part to Bill. This immigration process was a testament to his family’s shared ambition, determination and unfaltering work ethic. The book was a very important accomplishment in Bill’s life; and sharing the story for future generations meant so much to him.
Viewing and visitation will be held Friday, December 12, 2008 from 10:00 A.M. until 8:00 P.M. with a rosary to be recited at 7:30 P.M. at the Smith Funeral Home, Sunnyside, WA. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, December 13, 2008 at 10:00am at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Sunnyside with burial immediately following at Outlook Cemetery. Those wishing to honor Bill’s memory may contribute to the Lower Valley Hospice or Outlook Cemetery Association. If you wish you may go on line at www.funeralhomesmith.com to sign Bill’s memorial book or share a memory.
Bill is survived by his wife, Mary, and six living children, named in birth order: Jake (Genny) DeRuyter, Outlook, WA; Nick (Suzanne) DeRuyter, Caldwell, ID; Alida (Fernando) Estudillo, Bothell, WA; Mary Alice (Glenn) Tadema, Ontario, CA; Bill (Lisa) DeRuyter, Sunnyside, WA; and Karen (Marc) LePoullouin, Turlock, CA. Bill and Mary have 17 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings Leo DeRuyter, Corona, CA; Mary Woods, Anaheim, CA; Anna Dykzeul, Mi Wuk, CA; Pete DeRuyter, Covina, CA; George DeRuyter, Outlook, WA; Jake DeRuyter, Long Beach, CA; Ed DeRuyter, Mesquite, NM; Dorothy Koetsier, Lakewood, CA and many nieces, nephews and cousins He is preceded in death by his parents, Jacobus & Alida DeRuyter and also his brothers, Qrijn DeRuyter, John DeRuyter, Neil DeRuyter and his sister, Margaret Kroon.
Bill was 82 years, young.
(Written by Catarina Estudillo)
