Ruth Vargo

VARGO (Boyer) Ruth Annabell Vargo, aged 97, of Grand Rapids, passed away at her home on Tuesday evening, August 26, 2014, with her family at her side. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Vargo in 1990. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Al Jansen; her grandson, Calvin Belcher (Lynda Shaerdin); many other family and friends. Ruth was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on June 2, 1917 and was the only child of Charles and Anna (Sorenson) Boyer who preceded her in death. A lifelong "westsider", Ruth attended West Leonard Elementary School, Harrison Park Junior High and graduated from Union High School with the Class of 1935. In September of 1935, she married Edward Vargo, a neighbor whom she had known as a girl. Having lived near Richmond Park all her life, she and Edward welcomed the birth of their daughter, Linda, born on May 19, 1947. Ruth loved to sew and knit, making many beautiful afghans and other items for family and friends throughout the years. She was delighted when her grandson, Calvin was born and considered him more like a son as she lovingly cared for him while her daughter, Linda worked. As a faith filled woman, Ruth was a member of the Salvation Army for many years where she attended Sunday services. She loved reading her bible and was a true “prayer warrior”. Ruth and other members of the Salvation Army were very active at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans where they sewed and mended clothing for veterans there, among other activities. An avid Detroit Tigers fan, she enjoyed watching the games on TV as well as the daily news. She was also an avid reader of novels authored by Daniel Steele. She was a wonderful cook of anything and everything, especially her mac-n-cheese, cakes, cookies, pies and much more. Over the years she and her family enjoyed spending summers at Half Moon and Robinson Lakes swimming and fishing. Following health issues, her husband Edward died on July 18, 1990. Her faithful canine companion, “Lucy" was always at her side. After suffering from health issues of her own over the last several years, Ruth was called home by her Lord and Savior, Tuesday evening, August 26, 2014 and has now earned her heavenly reward. She was a loving and dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, friend and neighbor who will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered. May she rest in peace. The service to celebrate Ruth's life will be held on Thursday morning, August 28, 2014, 11:00 AM at the Salvation Army Chapel, 1235 E. Fulton St. Visitation will be held at the Salvation Army Chapel on Thursday morning from 10:30 AM until the 11:00 AM service. Please consider contributions in her memory to The Salvation Army. Burial in Rosedale Memorial Park Cemetery. You can sign her guest book and leave your own memory of Ruth by visiting her web page at www.lifestorynet.com.