Ruth M. Lake, 80, formerly of Goodland, KS, passed away at the Central Vermont Medical Center in Berlin, VT on Monday evening, April 22, 2019. Born in Limon, CO on March 29, 1939, she was a daughter of the late Henry and Syble Rae (Johnson) Kanzler. On December 14, 1958, she married Paul A. Lake in Limon, CO. Paul predeceased Ruth on August 25, 1986.

Ruthie had a “never say never”, compassionate, fighting spirit that saw her through happy and tough times. As a child she grew up in poverty with her father, mother, and 8 siblings. She was a survivor through the tragic loss of her husband Paul in 1986, who she remained true to until her last day, and then the tragic loss of her youngest son Tobey in 1996.  She was a two-time cancer survivor.  It was her strong will and primary purpose in life to take care of her family that kept her moving forward and blessed us with 25 additional beautiful years.  (This allowed her to enjoy the final chapter of her life, which included helping raise her two amazing grandsons, Tobey and Braedon).  She shaped our lives with wonderful story telling, the constant reminder to “stop and smell the roses”, parental advice to teach right from wrong and never lose the ability to keep laughter in your life. She will be missed. 

Ruth is loved and mourned by her children, Tiffini Lake-Bellows and her husband, Jay of Waterbury, VT; Troy Lake and his wife, Kelly of Waterbury Center, VT; Tracy Lake and his wife, Cheri of Lenexa, KS; 8 grandchildren, Amanda, Ali, Andrew, Kady, Ben, Brianna, Tobey and Braedon; a sister, Charlotte Larsen of CA; 3 brothers, Melvin Kanzler of CO, Clifford Kanzler of CA, and Lester Kanzler of WA; as well as nieces, nephews and extended family. Ruth was predeceased by a son, Tobey Lake on April 18, 1996.

Funeral Services for Ruth will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2019 at 11:00 AM MT at Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Goodland with Pastor Zach Anderson officiating. Burial will follow in the Goodland Cemetery.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions would be appreciated to the Department of Palliative and Spiritual Care, CVMC, PO Box 547, Barre, VT 05641.

Online condolences for the family may be left at www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com.

Local service arrangements have been entrusted to Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Goodland.