Charlotte Ruth DeKraker, age 95, of Saline, Michigan, passed away peacefully at her residence in Linden Square, on Friday, March 12, 2021. She was born on May 13, 1925 in Holland, Michigan, to parents Peter and Gertrude (Douma) DeKraker.
Charlotte was affectionately known as “Lottie Ruth” by her two older sisters, Joan and Edith, who enjoyed a happy childhood together. She had many fond memories of growing up in Holland and participating in traditional Dutch dancing.
Following graduation from Holland High School in 1943 and she attended Western Michigan University for a few years before returning to Holland. Charlotte and her sister, Edith, relocated to Chicago, Illinois together and she took a position in the accounting department within the stock exchange as a bookkeeper where she worked for many years. She moved to Clearwater, Florida, and was later joined by her sister, Edith, and continued to work as a bookkeeper until her retirement.
After retirement, Edith relocated to North Carolina, and Charlotte moved to Ocala, Florida where she remained until 2010 when she moved to the Ann Arbor area to be closer to her eldest sister, Joan. She lived in Linden Square for several years where she enjoyed playing bingo with other residents and attending the weekly church services. In her spare time she excelled at many different types of handwork, which included embroidery, knitting, and counted cross stitch.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Gertrude DeKraker, and her sister, Edith Vanderwerp.
Charlotte is survived by her sister, Joan G. Dresselhouse; her niece, Mary Vanderwerp (Richard Ball); and her nephew, John Vanderwerp (Melissa Brown). She will also be lovingly remembered by her dear friends, Hugh Neeley and Danielle Karwowski.
Private cremation services have taken place. Charlotte’s remains will be interred at Good Shepherd Memorial Garden Cemetery in Ocala, Florida at a later date.