Ruth "Betty" VanLeuven

1939 - 2021

Ruth "Betty" Van Leuven, Lake Ariel, passed away Saturday afternoon at home surrounded by her loving family. Her husband was Robert C. Van Leuven, who died in 2006. The couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary that year prior to Bob's passing.

Born on July 31, 1939, in Scranton, she was the daughter of the late Andrew Lisko and Helen Zawicki Lisko Primich and was educated in Lake Ariel schools. Prior to her retirement, she had been employed at Lockheed Martin for 29 years. She was a member of the St. Thomas More-St. Mary's Roman Catholic Parish Community.

To know Ruth was to love Ruth. She had an exceptional way with words and will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to call her mom, grandma, gigi, sister, aunt, cousin, friend or neighbor.

As the matriarch of the family, Ruth enjoyed cooking Sunday dinner for her family for many years. She welcomed everyone into her home. She was happiest when her friends and family gathered. She loved the holidays and was often seen taking pictures of everyone at each gathering. She loved gardening, feeding the birds and watching the hummingbirds. She also enjoyed sharing stories about her childhood with her beloved grandchildren. Her great-grandchildren held a very special place in her heart. They always brightened her days which was evident by her big smile every time they visited.

Ruth was fiercely independent. She wasn't afraid to speak her mind and always stood up for what she believed in. Casting her vote was very important to her and she would often remind her family to vote on Election Day. She was instrumental in getting wooden crosses made with the American flag attached for every Lake Twp. veteran which are displayed on the lawn of the Lake Twp. Building every Memorial Day. She looked forward to the annual Lake Ariel Tree Lighting to kickoff the holiday season. She was deeply devoted to her church.

Ruth loved listening and dancing to country music and was a huge fan of Willie Nelson. She especially enjoyed attending his live concerts over the years.

Surviving are her son, Robert "Bobby"; daughters, Michele "Missy" Krowiak; and Marcele "Marcy" Swingle and her husband, Duane, all of Lake Ariel; brother, Daniel Primich and his wife, Paula, of Olyphant; sister, Helene Oakes, of Philadelphia; grandchildren, Nicholas Krowiak and wife, Carrie; Mariah Knotts and husband, Michael; Jillian Swingle and her partner, Will O'Brien; Stephanie Van Leuven and her partner, Josh Zofcin; and Alyssa Salak and husband, William IV; great-grandchildren, Ilisity Van Leuven; Mugan Knotts, Luke Krowiak, William Salak V, Sylvan Knotts and Maverick Zofcin; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Deborah Van Leuven; grandson, Moon Shadow Van Leuven; stepfather, Michael Primich; brother, Andrew "Sonny" Lisko; brother, Michael "Mickey" Primich; sister, Jean Walsh; and sister-in-law, Julie Lisko.

Those attending are asked to wear a mask indoors.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 10 a.m. in the St. Thomas More Church, 105 Gravity Road, Lake Ariel, by the Rev. Stephen Stavoy, pastor. All attending the Mass are asked to go directly to the church.

Friends may call Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. in the James Wilson Funeral Home, 143 Gravity Road, Lake Ariel. Interment, St. Catherine's Cemetery, Moscow.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Victims Intervention Program of Wayne County, P.O. Box 986, Honesdale, PA 18431; or to the St. Thomas More Church, P.O. Box 188, Lake Ariel, PA 18436.

For directions, to share a memory or to express your condolences, please visit www.jameswilsonfuneralhome.com.