Ruth Van Deuren

Ruth M. Van Deuren

Mrs. Ruth Myra Anderson Van Deuren, 87, of St. Clair, formerly of Manitowac, Wisconsin, passed peacefully on Wednesday, February 1, 2012 surrounded by the love of her family.

She was born October 16, 1924 in Manitowoc, Wisconsin to the late Carl and Edna Anderson. She married Richard J. Van Deuren on Valentine’s Day 1953 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Manitowoc.

A World War II veteran, Ruth served in the Navy WAVES at Glenview Naval Air Station after her recruit training at Hunter College in New York City. She was very active in her church as a Sunday school teacher and lay caregiver. She was a wonderful cook, laughingly calling herself a “Soup Hound.” Her love of dark chocolate gave her family the convenience of always giving a gift that would be appreciated.

The time spent with her father gave Ruth a love of the outdoors. Ruth could name every tree and plant she saw. She was also an avid gardener, and both of these passions she passed on to her “little girl,” Christy.

Ruth made many camping trips all over the USA with her husband and best friend, Dick. Her “Trip of a Lifetime” was visiting the Holy Land. Ruth had many hobbies. She loved water color painting and writing short stories. She was active her whole life and an avid athlete in her youth. She excelled at speed skating, swimming, skiing, baseball, and anything else her brother, John, would let her do with “the guys.” She also loved the Green Bay Packers.

Ruth is survived by her husband of 59 years, Richard; daughter, Christy (Dan) Evans of St. Clair; son, Ronald (Karen) Van Deuren of Leland, North Carolina; grandchildren, Darcy, Jake and LaDona Evans and Jason and Jennifer Van Deuren; three great grandchildren; her brother, John (Carolyn) Anderson and brother-in-law, Norb Brey, all of Manitowoc, Wisconsin; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by three sisters, Charlotte Conrad, Clara Brey and Lucille Yindra; and a brother, Carl Anderson Jr.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, February 3, 2012 in Pollock-Randall Funeral Home with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. The Reverend Barbara Welbaum will officiate.

Inurnment will be in the Allied Veterans Columbarium at 11 a.m. on the couple’s anniversary, Tuesday, February 14.

Memorials may be made to Mid-City Nutrition. To send condolences, visit pollockrandallfuneralhome.com.