Richard DeRuiter Obituary

Richard Everett DeRuiter, 85, of Pawleys Island, South Carolina, formerly of Wayne, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2026.

Born on October 21, 1940, in Passaic, New Jersey, Rich was the son of the late Fred and Sadie (Pruiksma) DeRuiter. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Fred DeRuiter; his sister, Phyllis Schuurman; and his wife of 49 years, Yvonne DeRuiter.

Rich proudly served his country in the Army National Guard. Rich spent the majority of his professional career working for Westvaco in the folding carton fine paper division, where he was known for his strong work ethic and dedication.

Rich had a deep love for life's simple pleasures. He enjoyed playing golf and was a member of The Reserve Golf Club. He loved to travel and could often be found sitting by the ocean or listening to music. An active and devoted member of Belin Memorial United Methodist Church, Rich cherished his church family and his faith.

He is survived by his loving wife, Linda Breznicky DeRuiter of Pawleys Island; his son, Scott (Lorelei) DeRuiter of Erie, Colorado; and his daughters, Melissa Kaiser of Las Vegas, Nevada; Cynthia (Mattia) Montouro of Longwood, Florida; He is also survived by his stepchildren, Kristy (Chris) Masseth of Wake Forest, North Carolina. Eric (Jenn) Breznicky of McKinney, Texas; Katie (Bert) Trantham of Wake Forest, North Carolina; and Matt (Brandi) Breznicky of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Rich was a proud grandfather to 12 grandchildren: Chase, Braelyn, Ashley, Maddie, Landon, Makayla, Evan, Luke, Kinsley, Noah, Brayden, and Hadley. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Mel Watkins of Pawleys Island.

Services will be held on Saturday March 7, 2026, at 11:00am at Belin Memorial United Methodist Church 4182 U.S. 17 Business, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576. Family will be receiving friends from 10:00am until services time. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery 1000 SC-544 Conway, SC 29526

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Belin Memorial United Methodist Church Youth Ministry, 4182 U.S. 17 Business, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Alaysha and April Greene, who were his loving caregivers for the last nine months, enabling Rich to remain at home with Linda, as well as his beloved and spoiled cavapoos, Brody and Cooper.

Rich will be remembered for his love of family, his steady presence, and the joy he found in golf, travel, music, and the ocean. His legacy of love and faith will live on in all who knew him.

To view these details online or to offer words of comfort through the online guest book, visit www.burroughsfh.com.

Burroughs Funeral Home and Cremation Service (843.651.1440) of Murrells Inlet is assisting the family with arrangements.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.