Obituary of Bonnie Lou Ruegsegger

Bonnie Lou (Van Doren) Ruegsegger was born July 4, 1935, in Hamilton, Montana to Frank G. & Hazel (Hart) Van Doren. Bonnie and her sister Sandy served alongside their parents in ministry for the Disciples of Christ churches in Montana and Washington.

Bonnie attended Northwest Christian College in Eugene, Oregon with the intent to pursue a degree in Christian Education but “not marry a minister”. She met the love of her life, Harvey A. Ruegsegger, there and he changed her mind. After marrying in 1956 they served at the Disciples of Christ churches at Glen Eden Beach, OR, Palouse, WA, Clearfield, IA, Kent, WA, Loveland, CO & Laramie, WY throughout their 63 years of marriage.

Between 1958-1960 they had three children: Debbie, Dave & Dan. While in Clearfield, IA, Harvey traveled 100 miles away Monday-Thursday to attend seminary at Drake University in Des Moines, IA for four years. Bonnie continued to care for her three young children and the church in his absence.

Bonnie loved to cook and host family & friends around any table at home, church or in their RV. Together with Harvey, they led many church youth groups, sang in the choirs and many smaller ensembles. They encouraged all three kids to sing or play a musical instrument.

In addition to being a minister’s wife, Bonnie worked in two high schools as a counseling secretary and registrar.

Bonnie loved to be creative. She learned many crafts, but gardening was her passion. She loved growing and sharing her beautiful flowers, especially her many roses with others.

Harvey and Bonnie loved to travel and explore, making many fun memories as they went. In their retirement years they would just go out to Boyd Lake State Park and people watch or watch sunsets together.

Wherever they went they were often seen walking hand in hand. Their family is confident that on August 8^th Harvey greeted Bonnie, took her hand, and led her into the presence of their Lord. They are singing together in the heavenly choir.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Frank G. and Hazel (Hart) Van Doren, her loving husband, Rev. Harvey A. Ruegsegger and their youngest son, Daniel Paul Ruegsegger and his wife, Nancy (Coats) Ruegsegger.

She is survived by her sister, Sandra Lee (& Wayne) DeWald, children: Debra Lynn (& Al) Steele and David John (& Janean) Ruegsegger, three granddaughters and three great grandchildren.

A memorial Celebration of a life well lived will be held at First Christian Church in Loveland, CO on September 16^th at 11:00 a.m.

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