Ruth Ann Buikema, 89, of Eldridge, formerly of Fulton, Ill., died Monday, March 9, 2026, at Fieldstone of DeWitt in DeWitt.
Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Friday, March 13, at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at 1 p.m., with Pastor Joel Rohde, pastor of North Ridge Community Church in Eldridge, officiating. Interment will be at Fulton Township Cemetery in Fulton. Memorials have been established to First Reformed Church in Fulton.
Ruth was born July 18, 1936, in Clinton, to Charles N. and Alice (Huizenga) Voss. She was raised in Fulton, where she attended Fulton grade schools and graduated from Fulton High School in 1954. On Oct. 4, 1955, she married Richard A. “Dick” Buikema in Fulton. The couple shared 70 years together before his passing on Dec. 14, 2025. Ruth worked at Cottage Pastry in Fulton, where she enjoyed serving customers and sharing her warm smile. Faith and service were important parts of her life. She was a member of First Reformed Church in Fulton and was active in the King’s Daughters. Ruth also gave generously of her time volunteering at the Fulton Dutch Windmill and delivering Meals on Wheels with her husband, Dick, bringing meals and companionship to those who were homebound. Ruth had a special gift in the kitchen and was well known for her baking, especially her homemade pies. She also loved playing cards and spending time with family and friends. Ruth and Dick treasured their time together and spent 28 winters in Alamo Palms, Texas, where they formed many lasting friendships and were active in the community.
Survivors include one daughter, Brenda (Dan) Jamison of Princeton; one son, Randall (Mary) Buikema of Franklin, Tenn.; eight grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dick; one daughter, Cathleen A. Steines; one granddaughter, Elizabeth Ann Buikema; and two sisters in infancy.
To send online condolences go to www.bosmarenkes.com.
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