Ruth Alsum

Ruth Alsum, age 86 of Randolph, passed away on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at Randolph Health Services with family at her side.

Ruth was born on January 28, 1939, in Clear Lake, SD, the daughter of Horton and Arta (Franken) Jacobsma. She attended country school at Harrison #6 and later graduated from Hartley High School, in Hartley, Iowa, in 1958. Ruth and her twin sister moved to Denver, CO, and worked at the Bethesda Hospital. She was united in marriage to Nelson Alsum on August 28, 1959, at the Christian Reformed Church in Ocheyedan, Iowa. After marriage they moved back to Nelson’s hometown in Randolph, Wisconsin.

Ruth lived a life dedicated to caring for others and creating a warm, loving environment for those around her. Her career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at the Randolph nursing home spanned from 1973 until 2007. During these years, she touched the lives of many residents with her kindness and dedication.

Her nurturing spirit extended beyond her professional life as she and her husband became foster parents to 29 children over a remarkable span of 19 years. Ruth cherished the time spent with her grandchildren, reveling in their company and sharing in their joys.

In her leisure time, Ruth enjoyed crochet, knitting, and baking. She and her husband loved to travel, discovering new places and experiences. Her loving nature and selfless service to others will be remembered by all who knew her. Her legacy lives on through the lives she impacted during her time both personally and professionally.

Ruth is survived by her three daughters, Shelly (Darrell) Wiersma, Randolph, Tina (Richard) Paul, Randolph, Lori Stachovak, Glendale AZ; eight grandchildren, Alicia (Dan) Pulvermacher, Tiffany (Jason) Lingle, Sam (Rebecca) Wiersma, Morgan Paul, Logan (fiancé Emily Nieman) Paul, Maria, Justin, Eric; thirteen great-grandchildren; brother, Verlyn (Sharon) Jacobsma; sister-in-law, Lois Vande Zande; brother-in-law; Harold Los; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Nelson in 2020, daughter, Rhonda Dudley in 2024; grandson, Jason Pruitt; twin sister, Ruby (Larry) Brunk; siblings, Irene (John) De Young, Harvey (Gladys) Jacobsma, Marvin (Irma) Jacobsma, Blanche (Vertus) Frick and Orville Jacobsma; brother-in-law, Howard Alsum; sisters-in-law, Trena Mae Fischer, Rosalyn Los, Delores Jacobsma and Janess Jacobsma; and nephew Glenn Alsum.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Randolph Christian School, 457 Second St, Randolph, WI 53956 or First Reformed Church, 406 South High Street, Randolph, WI 53956.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 P.M. to 3:30 P.M. on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at First Reformed Church, 406 South High Street, Randolph.

A funeral service for Ruth will follow at 3:30 P.M. on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at First Reformed Church with Rev. Luke Baehr officiating. Burial to follow at the Randolph Cemetery.