Ruth Carmen Havenga, a resident of Havre de Grace, MD, for 62 years, passed away peacefully at home, with family at her side, on February 20, 2016. She was 93. She was born in Muskegon, Michigan, to Ralph B. Close and Viola Bradley Close. She was the wife of the late Bearl Fred Havenga for 56 years, loving mother of Joyce R. Kennedy and her husband, Joseph C. Kennedy of Bel Air, MD, and the late Carol Ann Deller. She was the adored grandmother of Richard Paul Deller, Theresa "Trea" Renee O'Malley, Karen Dolores Kelly, and Kristen Marie Murphy, and great –grandmother of Dylan, Sierra and Quinn Kelly, Grace, Harry and David Deller, Jack and Logan Murphy, and Alexandra and Eliza O'Malley. Mrs. Havenga is also survived by her son-in-law, George C. Deller and his wife Barbara Deller. She was predeceased by her 6 siblings.
Mrs. Havenga worked as a switchboard operator while in Michigan. Upon moving to Maryland, she worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse and an Occupational Therapist at Harford Memorial Hospital and Perry Point VAMC, until she retired to travel and spend time with her grandchildren. She was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church for 62 years, and was a member of the Havre de Grace Elk's Lodge. She was an avid card player, especially Bridge, Hand and Foot, Mahjong, and Cribbage. She also enjoyed shuffleboard, gardening, knitting and crocheting, and sewing. She was very active at the Senior Center.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 24, 2016, from 2-4 and 6-8 PM, at Zellman Funeral Home, P.A., 123 South Washington St., Havre de Grace, MD. A Mass of Resurrection will be held on Thursday, February 25, 2016 at 10 AM, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 615 Congress Avenue, Havre de Grace, MD. Interment will be held at Mt. Erin Cemetery.
Contributions may be made in her memory to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude's Way, Memphis, TN 38105.
Online condolences may be made at www.zellmanfuneralhome.com.