Obituary of Ruth Ann Paauwe

Ruth Ann Paauwe, 62, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, June 11, 2012 with her family by her side. Born December 23, 1949 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to John and Nadine Stek, she lived in Iowa, Minnesota, California, South Dakota and Michigan before finally settling with her family in Satellite Beach, FL in 1991. She graduated from Grand Rapids Christian High in 1967 and earned her bachelors in business administration from Grand Valley State University in 1988. During her professional career she worked tirelessly for the rights of workers, first for the U.S. Department of Labor and ultimately for the United States Air Force in Contractor Labor Relations until her retirement in 2011. Ruth was a fixture in the church family at Trinity Presbyterian where her ministry included teaching Sunday school, singing in choir, serving as an Elder, managing the library and being a member of numerous committees and small groups. Ruth's faith, intelligence, curiosity and joy of learning gave her a unique perspective and insight. Combined with a sparkling creativity, she was always brainstorming and bubbling over with hopeful ideas, suggestions and advice. She instilled her curiosity and inquisitiveness in others by thinking aloud and asking thought provoking questions. Ruth found happiness in many hobbies and interests, including sewing, singing, gardening, reading and traveling. She especially loved being with family. She preferred to stay busy and truly seized the day, every day. Ruth was preceded in death by her father, John H. Stek. She is survived by her loving husband, Douglas Paauwe, mother Nadine Stek; brothers David Stek (wife, Jan); Stanley Stek (wife Cindy); and Douglas Stek (wife, Lisa); sons Brian Paauwe (wife, Shaynee); Jonathan Paauwe (wife, holly); and David Paauwe (wife, Megan); and grandchildren Caiden, Ryan, Avery, Reese and Jack; mother-in-law Nell Paauwe; brother-in-law Ed Paauwe (wife wife Marlene); and brother-in-law Bob Paauwe (wife Ann).