Ruth Ann Van Dusen

On Monday, June 9, 2008, Ruth Ann Van Dusen joined the love of her life, Fred Van Dusen.

They were married 41 years before Fred passed away on Sept. 4, 1996. They were joined in holy matrimony on April 15, 1955, after knowing each other for only 18 days.

Ruth was born July 20, 1935, to Mary L. and James W. Wetherholt, who raised her and her brother, Gene Wetherholt in Gallipolis, Ohio, before she joined Fred in Grass Valley, Calif., to make a home. There, they raised their two children, Debra Sue Bishop and Jim Van Dusen.

Ruth enjoyed life while in Grass Valley horseback riding, sailing and quilting.

She worked for Nevada County as the head draftsman in the assessor’s office. After that, she had a brief job with the planning department before she and Fred retired to Clark Fork, Idaho.

Ruth had four grandchildren, Cassandra Simpson, Megan Martinez, Jenny Bishhop and Makaila Van Dusen; and two great-grandchildren, Madison Simpson and Ellie Simpson. She adored all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren with all of her heart.

After Fred’s death, Ruth moved to Gardenerville, Nev., with her daughter and son-in-law, Darrell Bishop, where she made great friends with almost everyone she met. Recently, they all moved to Buhl, Idaho, to get out of the city. Ruth was an instant hit with everyone she talked to and had more close friends than she could count.

Ruth will be greatly missed and her stubbornness will never be forgotten. May her memories live with all her closest friends and family together.