Ruth Paterson Vance

Ruth Paterson Vance passed away on March 29, 2014 after a brief illness, surrounded by her family.

Ruth was born on December 3, 1932 in Washington, D.C. to Hugh and Esther Paterson of Philadelphia, PA, where she was raised. She graduated from Upper Darby High School and Pierce Business College.

She moved to Washington, D.C. in 1956 where she met William Vance. They married and moved to Mercer Island in 1959. Ruth was a long-time resident of Mercer Island where she raised three children, Lea (Dave) Leuckel, Neal (Syrianah), and Charlie (Lisa). She spent many years volunteering and working at the Mercer Island School District. She enjoyed a lifetime of exercise and weight training and loved sewing, knitting and reading.

Ruth was a two time cancer survivor and proud grandmother of six. She is survived by her husband, her three children, and her five grandchildren Christopher Leuckel, Connor Leuckel, Andrew Vance, Billy Vance, and Chloe Vance.

She was preceded in death by her granddaughter Alexa Vance.

There will be a private burial at Sunset Hills in Bellevue. A reception for family and friends will be held on April 18th from 5 to 7 pm. For location and details please visit www.sunsethillsfuneralhome.com. In memory of Ruth, donations can be made to Swedish Hospital, Children’s Hospital or Ronald McDonald House.