Mr. Ernest G. Ruis, of Mears passed away unexpectedly at his home on Friday, March 13, 2009. Ernie was the 11th child born March 5, 1941 to Ernest and Gertrude (Roelofs) Ruis in Pease, MN. He moved to Grand Rapids in 1958, where he lived most of his adult life. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother. Ernie served two years in the US Army with most of his tour spent in South Korea. After the service he became a journeyman die maker at General Motors, where he worked for 26 years until his retirement in 2002. After retirement Ernie and his wife spent 5 years traveling and settled in Mears, an area that he loved. He loved the beauty of the sand dunes, Lake Michigan, and all the wild life and community. Ernie loved motorcycles and was a life member of the American Motorcycle Association and The Nite Hawks Motorcycle Club. He was also a member of the Old Speckled Hen MG Car Club. Ernie is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 43 years, Margie. He is also survived by his children whom he was so proud of: Tim, Jodi, Scott (Shaunna) Ruis, and he was proud of the fact that he has five grandsons, Michael Scott, Ryan, Elijah, Ethan and Evan. He is also survived by two brothers, Les (Esther) Ruis and Rev. Robert (Iva) Ruis; five sisters, Dorothy Wierenga, Dolly (Bob) Carl, Hazel Marthinsen, Ruth (Jack) Shepperly and Trudy (Bruce) Soileau; two step-sisters, Marilyn Zondervan, Ardis Zondervan;one step-brother, Dallas Apol; several nieces and nephews; two brothers in law, Gary (Debbie) Schestag and Harvey (Cheryl) Schestag; three sisters in law, June (Don) Mabie, Avis (Leon) Covell and Cheryl (Chuck) Schoenburn. He was preceded in death by his children, Luann and Thomas, parents, Ernest and Gertrude, step-mother, Jeanette Ruis; three brothers, Bert, George and Art, and one step-sister, Gladys Groen. The Celebration of Life Service for Ernest will be held Tuesday,11:00 A.M. March 17, 2009 at the Tate-King Funeral Home with Fr. Anton Tran officiating. Military Rites will be performed by the Hart VFW Post 1329 and the Hart American Legion Post 234. Memorial contributions may be given to Juvenile Diabetes for assistance with treatment of his grandson, Elijah.