Catherine Cecelia Van Ruiten

Catherine "Kay" Van Ruiten, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to many, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2026, at the age of 94, surrounded by her loving children and grandchildren. She lived her final years with quiet dignity, sustained by a deep and abiding faith in God.

Catherine was born on December 10, 1931, in Macklin, Saskatchewan, the seventh of nineteen children born to John and Pauline Stang. She spent her early childhood on the family farm near Macklin before moving to Rosalind, Alberta, where she completed high school. After graduation, she enrolled with her sister Amelia at St. Joseph's Hospital School of Nursing in Vegreville, Alberta.

After completing their training the sisters found work at the Woodland Clinic, and moved to Woodland, California. While working in Woodland Catherine met the love of her life, George Van Ruiten Jr. They were married in 1959 and moved to the Sutter Basin where they built a home and spent the next 59 years. Together they created a beautiful life, raising eight children and building a business. Catherine devoted herself wholeheartedly to her marriage, family, and the family farm. Catherine filled the family home with love, faith, and steadfast support for her husband George.

In addition to caring for her family, Catherine generously shared her time and talents with St. Paul's Catholic Church, Robbins School, local charities, and the Robbins community. She was an active member of the Sutter County Republican Women's Group and contributed nutrition articles to the Appeal-Democrat newspaper for many years. In her later years, she found great joy in crocheting afghans for her many grandchildren. She was also an avid gardener and enjoyed searching for antique treasures.

Catherine will be lovingly remembered by her children: Theresa Bill (George); Anthony Van Ruiten (Patty); Linda Judd; Annette O'Neill (Michael); Lisa Flowers (Will); and Barbara Rodgers (Trevor); (Patti Van Ruiten); as well as 25 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, George; her son, David; her daughter, Diane; her son-in-law, Tim; and her grandchildren, James Van Ruiten and MaryCatherine Rodgers.

A Rosary will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at W.F. Gormley & Sons Funeral Home, 2015 Capitol Avenue, Sacramento. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, March 13, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 645 California Street, Woodland, followed by a private graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Catherine's memory to the Robbins Community Hall at P.O. Box 294, Robbins, CA 95676 or Robbins Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 68, Robbins, CA 95676.