Ruth Helen VandenBerg

Ruth Helen (Butler) VANDENBERG Ruth Helen (Butler) VandenBerg passed away peacefully in her home April 2, 2011, with her family surrounding her. She was 91. VandenBerg was born July 29, 1919 in Vancouver, Wash., and grew up on the family farm with her four brothers. She graduated from Seattle College (now Seattle University), where she served as the first female editor of the college's newspaper, The Spectator. In 1943, she married Francis "Van" VandenBerg. They had three children together. Van and Ruth worked in real estate together for 40 years, and founded F.M. VandenBerg Realty in Seahurst. She was also a devout Catholic and a talented musician. She played the organ for services at the local Catholic churches, and played the piano and sang at home regularly. At family functions, she and Van routinely brought the family together with special songs and activities. VandenBerg is survived by her three children, Karen Hellriegel, of Lihue, Hawaii, Gregory VandenBerg of Burien, and Tamara VandenBerg of Seatac, and her nine grandchildren and 12 geat grandchildren. Services will be held Wed 4/6 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 15226 21st Avenue SW, Burien. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in memory of Ruth VandenBerg to the Alzheimer's Association, www.alz.org.