Ruth Ann VanOrren

Ruth Ann Van Orren 

Age 61, passed away Monday, August 20, 2018. She was born in Red Bank, NJ, on November 28, 1956, to Donald Cook and Margaret Conover. She met her high school sweetheart, Peter A. Van Orren, at Monmouth Regional High School. She graduated in 1975, and in 1976 moved to Albuquerque to join Peter to start their lives together in New Mexico.

Ruth is survived by her husband of 38 years, Peter A. Van Orren; daughters, Sherri L. Harris and Ashley V. Hagerty; granddaughter Ruby Lynn Harris and grandson Michael A. Hagerty; and adored her sons-in-law Jackson I. Harris and Joseph M. Hagerty. She has another granddaughter on the way that will be here in September. She retired from Winslow Wood & Associates where she worked for 13 years doing marketing and client relations. Ruth was a social butterfly, a life of the party. She loved to dance to country western music; she and Peter were once said to be the “Queen and King of the dance floor”. She also loved to bake, read and garden. She was part of a delightful book club and looked forward to those gatherings each month. The women in her book club were just wonderful and so supportive, and helped out so that Ruth could still enjoy being a part of that comradery even after it became difficult for her to read. She found solace in working in their yard and gardens; she planted every flower and shrub that turned into an extraordinary residence over the years. She was a loyal person who loved to help others in whatever they needed.  She could be relied upon and confided in, and acquired many friends over the years because of those qualities. She was outgoing and fearless, and lit up a room when she entered.  She will be extremely missed by so many, and will continue to be loved by those who had the pleasure of knowing her.

There will be no traditional funeral service.  The family will gather for a small private Celebration of Life when all family members are able to attend. We appreciate all who have inquired to show their love and support.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in memory of Ruth to the Dementia Society of America www.DementiaSociety.org/donate.