Maria (Mary) C. DeRuyter

Mary DeRuyter, 99, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 17, 2026, in Caldwell, Idaho.

Mary, née Maria Catharina “Rie” Tessel, was born March 3, 1927, in the Broekermeer, in North Holland, the seventh of ten children born to Nicolaas and Maria Tessel. Mary notably shared her birthday with an older sister who infamously wanted a baby calf instead of baby sister Mary that year. Growing up on her family’s boerderij (dairy farm) meant hard work, faith, music and laughter were woven into everyday life. Sweetly, Mary and her sisters milked cows together and often sang as they worked. Mary certainly treasured her memories of growing up in Holland and loved sharing the stories and humor of her childhood.

As a teenager, Mary lived through the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands during World War II. German soldiers even forcefully occupied part of her family’s home, and she witnessed the painful hunger and hardship of those years. She never forgot the many starving people who came to their farm seeking food, or how her mother always found something to share. The compassion and resourcefulness she witnessed in her family remained with Mary throughout her life.

In 1955, Mary met Bill DeRuyter during his visit to the Netherlands. Their chance meeting near the train station quickly blossomed into love, and within six weeks they were married in a civil ceremony. In early 1956, Mary bravely said goodbye to her family and beloved homeland and crossed the Atlantic to begin a new life in America. She and Bill were married in the Catholic Church on April 11, 1956, at St. Columban in Garden Grove, California. Mary was always grateful for the kindness her new family shared and that the DeRuyters embraced her as their own upon her arrival.

Through the 1960s, Mary and Bill built a life centered on family, faith, hard work, and love. They raised six children while working in the dairy business in Southern California. When Bill suffered a stroke in 1966, Mary cared for him while raising their six children and helping carry the responsibilities of the family business. She faced those difficult years with quiet strength, patience, and unwavering devotion. Caring for Bill was, to Mary, an expression of the love and commitment she had promised him.

The family eventually settled in Outlook, Washington and ultimately Sunnyside by again stepping into the dairy business. Mary was immensely proud of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and cherished time spent with family and friends. She especially loved playing cards and was famously competitive, clever, and determined. Whether around a card table, playing a board game, or later playing on her iPad, Mary played to win and her spirited competitiveness brought laughter to generations of her family. She continued playing cards regularly after Bill’s passing in 2008 and even learned Bridge.

Mary also valued her friendships with her neighbors and volunteered at a local elementary school library. In her later years, she found comfort in quieter pleasures, particularly word searches and color-by-number activities, approaching them with the same patience and determination that characterized so much of her life.

Above all, Mary was a woman of deep and abiding Catholic faith. She believed in the power of prayer and found comfort, peace and strength in attending Mass, reciting the rosary and trusting in God. Her faith sustained her through the joys and hardships of a long life and gave her a profound sense of hope. 

Beginning in 2019, Mary opted for a new living situation. She spent three months at a time with each of her three daughters, creating precious years of shared memories and companionship. Her sons continued to visit and spend time with her as well which routinely brought her great joy. These years of rotation became a treasured gift to both Mary and her children.

At 99, Mary leaves behind a lifetime of memories and generations of people who were blessed by knowing and loving her. Her absence will be deeply felt at family gatherings, around the game table, in moments of prayer, and in all the ordinary places where her presence made life warmer.

She will be missed more than words can express. Yet those who loved Mary find comfort in knowing that after a long and beautiful life, she has gone home to God’s loving arms. May she rest in eternal peace.

Mary is survived by her six children and their spouses: Jake (Genny) DeRuyter, Nick (Suzanne) DeRuyter, Alida (Fernando) Estudillo, MaryAlice (Glenn) Tadema, Bill (Lisa) DeRuyter, and Karen (Marc) LePoullouin; 17 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; her parents; and her siblings.

Viewing and visitation will be held Thursday, August 20, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., with the rosary recited at 6 p.m., at Smith Funeral Home in Sunnyside. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, August 21, 2026, at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Sunnyside. Mary will then be cremated, with a private inurnment at Outlook Cemetery on September 11, 2026.

Those wishing to honor Mary’s memory may contribute to Legacy Foundation in Fruitland, ID where Mary received excellent hospice care. Payments can be made to ANCORA Legacy Foundation by calling (208) 452-2672. Alternatively, support in Mary’s name can be made to her longtime parish, St. Joseph Catholic Church in Sunnyside. Checks should note “Church Renovations” in Mary’s name. Supporting the parish ensures long term legacy in Mary’s memory. To sign Mary’s memorial book or share a memory, please visit www.funeralhomesmith.com.

Smith Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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