Ruth V. Tonkin, age 97 of Big Rapids, passed away Thursday, January 21, 2016 at the Spectrum Health Nursing Rehabilitation Center in Reed City. She was born March 18, 1918 in Grand Rapids, the daughter of Perry and Hattie (Warner) DePew. Ruth was a graduate of the Big Rapids High School. She married Stanley Tonkin on September 10, 1958 and together they made their home and raised their family in Big Rapids. Ruth was a member of the Third Avenue United Methodist Church. She enjoyed knitting, sewing, and riding bikes with Stanley. Ruth is survived by her daughter, Joyce Donley of Paris; daughter-in-law, Carol Tonkin of Portland; six grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 19 great-great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 66 years, Stanley Tonkin on November 8, 2004; son, Phil Tonkin; infant son, Stanley Jr. Tonkin; son-in-law, Richard Donley; two brothers, Lawrence and Robert DePew; four sisters, Georgia Blanchard, Dorothy Hatfield, Maybel Cox, and Fern Tyner.Family and close friends will meet at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids for a Committal service at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Memorial contributions may be made in Ruths name to the Third Avenue United Methodist Church in Big Rapids. Share a memory or leave a condolence for the family at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com Committal Service Wednesday, April 6, 2016 01:00 PM Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home 13985 Northland Drive Big Rapids,MI 49307