Ruth M. Van Every

Ruth Mills Van Every passed away on September 19, 2011 at La Posada Assisted Living in Palm Beach Gardens FL. She was born on April 21 1910 in Nutley, New Jersey to Ernest Brock Van Every and Frances (Barnes) Van Every. Her early years were spent in New York City where she grew up and attended schools. She was married in 1929 to Robert Boyd Pearsall and they had a daughter, Marcia. They moved to New Jersey and later to New York City once again. In 1940 due to her daughter's health they were advised to move to a warmer climate. Florida was chosen and they moved to Ft. Lauderdale. She was to become a member of the pioneers of Ft. Lauderdale in 2000 for having lived there for 60 years.

During those years, she was an early member of the Audobahn Society and of "Save the Everglades" and was a volunteer teaching Seminole children to read. During World War II she was a volunteer "Plane Spotter" and helped serve meals at the local USO club. About this time she took a business course and went to work as a secretary to a number of medical doctors in their medical practice, she remained in business until 1980. She was divorced and retained her maiden name. Traveling to China and Europe over the years was her great delight. She and her many friends had wonderful times together. She later took each of her five grandchildren to one of her favorite vacation spots in North Carolina. Her seven great grandchildren have had interesting tales to hear of over the last twenty years. A member of All Saint Episcopal Church in Ft. Lauderdale for over 60 years, she served on many of the Women's Committees during that time. Five years ago at age 96 she moved to La Posada Assisted Living in Palm Beach Gardens from her home in Ft. Lauderdale. She had a 100th birthday party last year given by the staff and a 101st party this past April.

One Hundred and One years may seem like a long time, but so many memories make it seem like yesterday. She is survived by her daughter, Marcia Pearsall Rorick (Richard) of West Palm Beach, FL. and Litchfield, CT. She is also survived by her sister Frances V.E. Sherman (William) of Germantown, WI. and her grandchildren Lyn Herrlinger Feldman (Peter) of Spring Is., SC., Edward F. Herrlinger III of Trenton, NJ., Leslie Herrlinger Lanahan (Michael) of Dallas, TX., Katharine Herrlinger Hillman of Pittsburgh, PA., and Mark Heekin Herrlinger (Erika) of Denver, CO. Her sister Jean V.E. Pearsall and her brother Brock Barnes Van Every preceded her in death. Also her great grandchild Lynne Gorden Bailey predeceased her. She is also survived by six great grandchildren, Leigh Feldman, Elizabeth Lanahan, Daniel and Scott Hillman, and Seth and Ruth Herrlinger. She will be inurned in the Columbarium of All Saints Episcopal Church and a memorial service in her honor will be held at a later time. In lieu of flowers, a contribution in her honor to All Saints Episcopal Church in Ft. Lauderdale would be deeply appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Kraeer-Fairchild Funeral Home, Ft. Lauderdale. www.kraeerfairchild.com.