Ruth Laudenschlager

Ruth Laudenschlager, 90, of Sun City West, AZ, lived each day to the fullest and passed from this life to the next on Thursday, October 10, 2013. Her suffering was short and her departure peaceful in Hospice after sustaining a fall and head injury while doing what she loved best - enjoying time with loved ones and helping others.

Ruth was born on January 30, 1923 to Ole and Gunda Hermansen, in Millcreek, PA. She was one of five children. Ruth married Leonard H. Lange and had three children. After the death of Leonard, she found love again and married Leonard Haglund. The pair then moved to Phoenix, AZ. After several years, “Swede”, as he was known, became ill and passed. It was during a cancer support group that Ruth met her third husband, William “Roy” Laudenschlager. They enjoyed many years together filled with travel and large family gatherings.

Ruth was an active member of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church as well as Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Sun City West.

Ruth was enthusiastic about life! Throughout her years some of her many activities were square dancing, bowling, golfing, horseback riding, the horse races, camping, gardening, playing cards, trips to the casino, attending concerts, the theater, and traveling the world. She was also involved in many clubs and organizations in Sun City West including Encore Knitting and Crocheting Club, Wii Bowlers, Pennsylvania Club, Sons of Norway, and NARFE (National Active Retired Federal Employees).

A strong faith in God as well as a generous and loving heart sustained Ruth and nurtured her every day. A positive attitude, a ready smile, good humor and selfless energy were the hallmarks of her life.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, siblings George, Betty and Elsie and husbands Leonard, Swede and William.

She will be terribly missed by her surviving children, daughter Carolyn R. Lange and her partner Elizabeth Roberts, son Leonard B. Lange and wife Pam, and son David C. Lange and wife Nancy, as well as her brother, Floyd Hermansen and wife Wilma, and her many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She will also be missed by her larger Laudenschlager family, Pat, Bill and Gabrielle, Marcia, and many other grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on November 3, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. at Burton Funeral Home, 3801 West 26th Street, Erie, PA 16506. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Erie.

Being well acquainted with grief herself, Ruth’s wisdom about death was you must grieve but not get stuck there. Move forward with your life, thank God for every day, be kind and helpful to others, spend time with the people you love and pause to embrace the wonder in life.

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley, 14066 W. Waddell Rd., Surprise, AZ 85379; Phoenix Women’s Chorus, P.O. Box 34464, Phoenix, AZ 85067-4464; or Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 1500 W. Maryland Avenue, Phoenix AZ 85015-1499.