Ruth Mary DeBruin, beloved matriarch and pillar of her community, died peacefully on July 21, 2025, at the remarkable age of 107 in the home she lived in her entire life. This home was always filled with love and laughter and an abundance of memories were made here with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and friends. Anybody and everybody had a seat at her table and people left her home feeling better than when they arrived. At any time, guests were welcome to swim in the backyard pool or fit a piece in a puzzle that always occupied the dining room table. Ruth treated everyone equally with kindness and love and she always carried herself with dignity and grace. Her undeniable spirit and wonderful sense of humor set apart from others and she laughed harder at her own jokes than those who were on the receiving end. A four decade long breast cancer survivor, Ruth faced this adversity with unwavering strength, optimism and resilience. Her legacy will live on in all who knew her and she will always be remembered for her good nature, warmth, tireless volunteerism and generosity.

A lifelong resident of West Long Branch, Ruth graduated from Long Branch High School and was employed by the West Long Branch Post Office for over 30 years. Ruth loved to travel and was never hesitant to take a trip, near or far, with family or with friends, including one to Hong Kong at the age of 92. An avid reader, she believed the greatest book she ever read (more than once) was the Bible. Ruth was the longest living member of Old First United Methodist Church where she will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband, Johnny. Ruth’s faith guided her; she was a beloved Sunday School teacher, led the church’s Youth Fellowship, was a member of United Methodist Women, and was a founder and chairman for the church museum.

Known for her unwavering dedication to service, Ruth touched countless lives through her extensive participation at the local, state, and national levels of the Adah Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and Children of the American Revolution (CAR). She was also deeply involved with the Honey Bears Club and Ladies Fire Auxiliary #1. Ruth’s generosity of spirit extended to community youth through her mentorship as the leader of Brownie Troop 102 and Girl Scout Troop 38. She inspired young girls to lead, serve, and grow with courage and kindness—values she modeled in every aspect of her own life. She was an avid collector of many things, her most treasured possessions possibly her teddy bear collection that filled the “DeBruin’s Den” home.

To know Ruth was to love her.  It was a life well lived, and she will be greatly missed by everyone who had the great fortune to have known her. She is predeceased by her husband John J. DeBruin, Jr., her parents Harry and Pearl Brower, sister Vera Parker and granddaughter-in-law Nancy Rojas Carlisle. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Diane and Carey Carlisle, son and daughter-in-law Tom and Louise DeBruin, abundantly loved grandchildren Peter, Brian (Elizabeth), Jennifer (Jason) and Dominic (Felicia), and her great grandchildren David, Sophia, Ethan, Ava, Ally, Lucas and Erika. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, August 17 at 2 pm at Old First United Methodist Church 197 Locust Avenue West Long Branch. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Ruth’s memory to the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org; St. Jude Children’s Hospital, www.stjude.org or Indian Mountain School https://www.indianmountain.org/giving.