Ruth Van Zelst, of Brookfield, Wisconsin passed away on December 23, 2021, leaving us on her 95th birthday to join her grandsons, Jason and Vince, in Heaven.
Originally from Riverside, Illinois, Ruth (Kroh) married Ray Van Zelst on August 25, 1951. She is the mother of Christine (Bob), Bob (Carol), Vicki (Mark) and Sheri (Jim). Ruth is the cherished grandma of Matthew, Jason, Kristin, Vince, Steve and Travis and her great-grandchildren George, Molly and Jett. Ruth will be greatly missed by other relatives and many friends.
Ruth was an avid card player and exceptional seamstress making clothes, not only for herself, but for her entire family. A hostess extraordinaire, throwing extravagant parties at home for many decades with Ray. Ruth was proud of her position as the Secretary to the Chief of Police in Elmhurst, Illinois which, in turn, provided family benefits as you can imagine! Every morning you would find her conquering crossword puzzles with an occasional assist from Ray. Her artistic talent encompassed calligraphy, drawing and painting. She even taught art at her children’s grade school. Ruth’s elegance and sparkling personality shown through her 18 years of lessons and competitions in ballroom dancing – winning many awards and forging fond relationships. She loved music and would have it playing in the house, in the car, and in her room at AngelsGrace Hospice.
A Visitation will be held on Wednesday January 12, 2022, at Becker Ritter Funeral Home, 14075 W. North Ave. Brookfield, from 4 PM until 6 PM. Funeral Service will be held on Thursday January 13, 2022, at Becker Ritter Funeral Home, at 12 NOON with a procession to Highland Memorial Park to follow.
The family wishes to thank AngelsGrace for the loving care of Ruth in her final days.
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