Shirley M. (Lehnen) Deruiter

Shirley DeRuiter, Co-founder of Scene Magazine, of Battle Creek passed in her sleep on Sunday morning, November 24, 2013 at the age of 71 at home. The home was full of family over the entire weekend. Shirley had been fighting lymphoma since January of 2013. She was receiving care at the Cancer Care Center in Battle Creek.

She was born March 23, 1942 in Grand Rapids, MI to Gerald and Florence (Boltema) Lehnen. Shirley grew up in Grand Rapids and was a graduate of Ottawa High School.

Shirley was active in the publication's success into her seventies. "Shirley was the force behind the publication," said husband and high school sweetheart Rich DeRuiter, who retired from the business nearly eight years ago.

They have had many proud moments with the publication over the years but are especially pleased to have shared the accomplishments of so many with the Man or Woman of the Year award. Over 27 years they have recognized individuals, husband and wife teams, brothers, father and son teams, co-workers, colleagues, boards, non-profits, as well as area businesses with a special annual event.

Just as important to her was the fact that so many of the family came to join them in the business, each with unique skills that helped to further develop what they had to offer to the community. Son, Rick DeRuiter; daughter, Sherii Sherban; son-in-law, Keith Sherban; grandson, David Sherban, granddaughter, Christyn Sherban, as well as daughter-in-law, Terri DeRuiter; daughter, Shelii Penny; son-in-law, David Penny; have all worked there over the years. Other employees are just as priceless and always invited and welcomed at family functions.

Shirley could be regularly heard saying, "Tribute issues for Veteran's, Women In Business, Men In Business, and just plain fun with the Community Yearbook really let the community know why we should collectively be proud of what we have right here at home." She was always looking outward for the better good of the community and when you sat with her she gave you her full and sincere attention.

When Rich and Shirley started Scene Magazine in 1977 their goal was to help people who lived and worked here to recognize that Battle Creek and Marshall had so much to offer. There was no need to go to surrounding areas when we had what our community needed right here at home. In her role with the publication she sought to be the "Community Cheerleader," a role that she has worked hard to pass on to her daughter Sherii Sherban.
"My mother was a wonderful example of reaching out to the community ever since I can remember," said Sherban. "She has led a life that was full of both family and community and we will all miss her leadership, compassion and sparkle."

Shirley has been involved with countless local organizations during her time with the company. Most recently she spent her time with the Art Center of Battle Creek, Centra Care, Alzheimer's and Dementia programs including Miles For Memories, the Cancer Care Center, St Jude's Children's Hospital, The Heart Association; as well as preserving history and antiques.

In her efforts with the parent company, W.W. Thayne Advertising Consultants, Inc., Shirley worked with agency accounts directly and was active as a spokesperson and model.
Not only was Shirley active with the publication but also co-owned and managed their nearby apartment complex as well as assisted husband Rich with their antiques business.
Previous to joining forces with Rich she worked as an executive secretary for leadership at the Kellogg's Headquarters in Battle Creek.
Personally, she was an avid collector. First of miniatures, then Raggedy Ann and Andy sets, which blossomed into dolls and figurines. She spent her spare time with her husband, family and reading and writing.

Shirley is survived by Rich her husband of 53 years; children, Rick (Terri) DeRuiter, Sherii (Keith) Sherban, Shelii (David) Penny; grandchildren, Anthony (Tony) DeRuiter, Alyssa DeRuiter, David Sherban, Christyn Sherban, Ashlynn Penny, and Samantha Penny; and her sister, Jerrie Hafsted. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Beverly Delamatter and her mother and father-in-law, Tony and Verna DeRuiter.

Friends may call 5:00–8:00 p.m. Monday, December 2, 2013 at Farley Estes & Dowdle, 105 Capital Avenue, NE, Battle Creek. Funeral services will be held at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 3, 2013.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to a fund established at the Battle Creek Community Foundation, As Scene By…, that helps to support local students wanting to attend a local college for the purpose of entering a career in publishing. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.