Ruth Ellen Van Auken
July 4, 1938 ~ June 7, 2021
Born in:
Michigan City, IN
Resided in:
Pueblo, CO
Ruth Ellen Van Auken went home to be with the Lord on June 7, 2021, at the age of 82. She was born July 4, 1938, in Michigan City, Ind. Preceded in death by her beloved husband of 64 years, John; parents, Lyle Russell and Mary Lambert; sister, Elizabeth; and brother, Paul Russell. She is survived by sons, Jeffrey (Terri) and David (Judy); grandsons, Cooper and Evan; granddaughter and caregiver, Amber Roepke; and nieces, Maryjane Russell and Lisa Sampson. Ruth had many notable accomplishments. She owned an accounting and tax practice in Michigan City, Ind. and served as President of the Indiana Society of Public Accountants. The family moved to Colorado in 1978. She worked in bookkeeping and accounting for a law firm, doctor’s office and a wholesale food supplier. Ruth and her husband, John, then founded Liberty Railway services in 1988, selling and retiring from the company in 2010. Ruth was involved in many organizations. Too many to mention. She served on the board of Sangre de Cristo Hospice and the finance committee for the Ecumenical Church of Pueblo West. She was active in different clubs particularly their camping club. Ruth loved to cook and entertain, hosting various gatherings through the years. She and John were world travelers and couldn’t wait until their next adventure. “Her sons and all her family loved her very much and will miss her.” Due to the Covid outbreak at the time of John’s passing, please join us in celebrating the lives of both John and Ruth at 2 p.m. on June 26, 2021, at the Ecumenical Church of Pueblo West, 434 Conquistador Ave. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to a charity of your choice or the Ecumenical Church of Pueblo West. Online condolences, www.MontgomerySteward.com
Services
Life Celebration: June 26, 2021 2:00 pm
Ecumenical Church of Pueblo West
434 S. Conquistador Ave.
Pueblo West, CO 81007
719-547-3088
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So very sorry about the loss. I remember her as a customer of mine who shopped at the pueblo west Safeway store. She was a very sweet person. Prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Dear John and Ruth, you willl be missed. We loved sharing meals and laughter with you both through the years. I can speak for Albert, the time he spent with you, john and the boys in Pagosa are forever treasured.
Love,
Christy and Albert Espinosa
You both will missed not only for who you were but for all your contributions to your community. Deeply saddened losing you both.
You both will be missed not only for who you were but all the contributions you made to your community. Our thoughts and prayers to your family. Deeply saddened.
Dear Van Auken family.
We are sending our love and condolences to you and are praying for your peace and comfort.. We truly cared for John and Ruth. and spent many fun times with them in our Southern Colorado Majestics motor home club. Ruth was always ready to help in any way. We know we will see them again one day in our heavenly HOME.
We miss both of you dearly grandma Ruth and grandpa John ❤ life just isn’t the same without you two here on earth with us.. Until we meet again at the beautiful gates of Heaven in the arms of our Lord Jesus❤❤🙌🙏🙏🙏
Forever in our hearts 💕
Our dear, dear friends. Much love to you all.