Ruth Vandenaker

Ruth Adams Vandenaker

March 5, 1917 ~ November 28, 2017

Ruth Adams Vandenaker, for 100 years, 9 months, and 24 days, lived an incredibly productive and always active life. In fact one could say she lived several lives, successfully pursuing a number of artistic hobbies and the sport of golf as well. She did a lot for a little girl born in Paragonah, UT. Her mother died three months after her birth, and her father left. She was raised in a very trying situation. For example, they were allotted one silver dollar for electricity for the month. When the meter indicated they used the dollar, they went back to using candles for the rest of the month.

Ruth married Andrew “Andy” Vandenaker on January 20, 1949; they were married for 39 years until Andy’s death. Ruth and Andy enjoyed decades playing golf and it was a good excuse to travel and play courses all around the country. Ruth won countless golf tournaments. After Andy’s retirement they would spend their winters playing golf with friends in the warmth of San Diego, CA.

Andy and Ruth also took up square dancing when her family was younger. They made and kept many wonderful friends from dancing and were able to travel to many dancing activities. Many of their dancing friends were also golfing buddies.

Ruth was the mother of four children, Sandra Harrington Bennett (deceased), Marine Master Gunnery Sergeant Lyle Harrington (deceased), Jana Vandenaker LeClair (deceased), and Robert Andrew Vandenaker of Sandy, UT; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

One of Ruth’s early pursuits was the creation of beautiful ceramic figures that beautified her home and the homes of the many friends to which she gave them. She also took up oil painting and created dozens of stunning oil paintings that also adorned and beautified her home as well as the homes of others.

Later in life she also took up playing the organ and became very accomplished at it. Many a person has enjoyed her music as she played with the front door open during the summer months. She clearly found many quality activities to enhance the worth and enjoyment of her nearly 101 years.

The family would like to sincerely thank Teresa Valladares for her kind and tender care of Ruth. We also want to thank the knowledgeable and professional medical staff at Alpha Omega Home Hospice and wonderful neighbor, Jeaneen Norman. The family would also like to extend a special thank you to her grandson, J. Mason Vandenaker, for putting his life on hold to care for Ruth during her difficult declining years. It was a true act of integrity and unselfishness.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 6, 2017 at 2 p.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd. Friends may visit with family on Wednesday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the mortuary. Interment, Roy City Cemetery.