Submitted by: Dan Rich

Ruth Lucille Vanderhagen

Nov. 8, 1917 - Oct. 19, 1996

South Bend Tribune 12/20/1996

MISHAWAKA - Ruth Lucille Vanderhagen, 78, of Lincolnway East, passed away at 4 a.m., Saturday, in the Hospice House, South Bend, after an illness. She was born on Nov. 8, 1917, in Mishawaka, Ind., to Joseph and Ida May Bowers. She spent her childhood in Traverse City and Big Rapids, Mich., returning to Mishawaka in 1927. Mrs. Vanderhagen graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1935.

On Aug. 8, 1935, in Mishawaka, as Ruth L. Bowers, she married Lawrence Vanderhagen. He survives along with a brother, Glen Bowers of Muskegon, Mich.; and several nieces and nephews. She had three brothers and a sister who preceded her in death. Mrs. Vanderhagen was active in several organizations, including the St. Joseph Church Rosary Society, Humane Society of St. Joseph County, and the Right To Life Inc. Of St. Joseph County. She was a member of Dial-A-Care and a volunteer with the Snite Museum at Notre Dame University.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., Monday, Oct. 21, at the Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th St., Mishawaka. A rosary will be recited at 2:30 p.m., in the funeral home. Funeral mass will be at 10 a.m., Tuesday, in St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mishawaka, with Rev. Robert Yast officiating. Interment will be in Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka.