George John Vanruiten Jr

George Van Ruiten passed away peacefully on Monday, November 26 at the age of 85. He was surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren. George was born on October 12, 1933 in Sacramento, the only son of Mary and George Van Ruiten, Sr. George was a lifelong resident of the Sutter Basin and graduated from Robbins Elementary School and attended Christian Brothers High School in Sacramento. George served in the army completing his basic training at Fort Ord after which he was assigned to Fort Bliss, Texas. From there he served in Germany and upon completing his enlistment, returned home to the Sutter Basin and the family farm. Upon his return, he worked with his father George, Sr. and later started his own farming operation. George married the love of his life, Catherine (Kay) Stang, on April 4, 1959. The two met at a dance in Woodland. Kay, who was originally from Canada, moved to Woodland to work as a nurse. George and Kay were married in Canada and had much in common as Kay grew up on a farm family farm in Canada. Soon after they were married, George and Kay built a new home on the ranch down the road from his parents homeplace. The two were married for 59 years and blessed with eight children and many happy memories over the 59 years they were together. The family enjoyed spending time at the family cabin in Lake Almanor. Waterskiing in the summer and winter weekends skiing at Mt. Lassen. Although busy with his family and the farm, service to the community was very important to George and he freely gave of his time. He served in numerous organizations including, many years as President of the Board of Trustees of Reclamation District 1500, President of Yuba Sutter Farm Bureau, Robbins Volunteer Fire Dept and the Sutter Basin Fire District, Board of Directors for the Rice Growers Association, and the Board of Directors Robbins Community Hall. He was appointed by the Governor to the Sutter County Fair Board where he served for many years. George especially enjoyed having his children and grandchildren join him at the fair every year and attend special events like the Destruction Derby. George is preceded in death by his son David, daughter Diane, and grandchildren James Van Ruiten and MaryCatherine Rodgers. George is survived by his beloved wife Kay and their children Theresa Bill (George), Anthony Van Ruiten (Patty), Linda Judd, Annette O’Neill (Michael), (Tim King), Lisa Flowers (Will), Barbara Rodgers (Trevor), (Patti Flores); 25 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

A Rosary will be held December 9 at 6 pm at W.F. Gormley & Sons Funeral Home located at 2015 Capitol Avenue, Sacramento. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday, December 10 at 10:30 am at Holy Rosary Catholic Church located at 301 Walnut Street, Woodland with a private graveside service. A celebration of life reception will follow at the Robbins Community Hall. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in George’s memory to the Robbins Community Hall or the Robbins Volunteer Fire at P.O. Box 68, Robbins, CA 95676.