Ruth Alice Gerlach

Ruth Alice (Sauerwein) Gerlach, faithful follower of Jesus, beloved wife, mother and friend, passed away peacefully on the afternoon of June 18th, 2023, surrounded by members of her family. Most recently, Ruth (along with her husband, Harlan) was a resident of Capital Manor in West Salem. Ruth celebrated her 95th birthday this past May.

Ruth was born in Berne, Indiana on May 9, 1928 to parents Charles W. H. Sauerwein and Alice (Flemming) Sauerwein. Ruth graduated from Lincoln High School in Portland, Oregon and from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California, finishing with a bachelor's degree in English in 1952. Ruth married Harlan Gerlach on August 17, 1952, at her parent’s church in downtown Portland. Ruth then taught students in grades 5-6 for four years in Dallas, Texas while her husband was in seminary.

Ruth and Harlan moved back to the Northwest in 1956 to pastor First Baptist Church in Harrisburg, Oregon. Ruth and Harlan would go on to lead Trinity Baptist Church in Walla, Walla, Washington; Grace Baptist Church in Salem, Oregon; First Baptist Church in Gold Beach, Oregon and finally back to West Salem to serve at the West Salem Baptist Church, where Harlan (and Ruth) finally retired after 65 years of pastoral ministry.

Ruth was a mother, homemaker and pastor’s wife with responsibilities that included teaching children, teen and young adult classes, teaching ladies bible studies as well as hosting women’s ministries events. Ruth loved music and passed on her love for music to her children and grandchildren. She played cello in high school and college, sang soprano in various choirs and performed vocally in church-related events. Ruth directed various church youth and adult choirs in Sunday morning church services, cantatas, musicals and holiday services. Ruth was known as a faithful prayer warrior, daily praying for her church community, missionary and ministry friends and for her growing extended family.

Ruth is survived by her husband of 71 years, Harlan Gerlach and her children, Sharon (and Steve) White of Fullerton, California; Paul (and Joy) Gerlach of San Jose, California; Becky (and Larry) Englund of Renton, Washington; David (and Jenifer) Gerlach of Eugene, Oregon; and, Mary (and Michael) Laube of Lowell, Oregon.

Ruth is grandma to 17 grandchildren: Kirsten (and Chris) Patterson of Yorba Linda, California and their children, Ava and Ellis; Justin (and Jamie) White of Placentia, California and their children, Grace, Anna and Henry; Brendan (and Sara) White of Garden Grove, California and their foster son, Micah; Joshua [deceased] (and Jennie) Gerlach of San Jose, California along with their children, Isaac, Asher and Shiloh; Anna (and Trent) Thacker of San Luis Obispo, California; Sarah Gerlach of San Jose, California; Jeremiah Gerlach of San Luis Obispo, California; Kimberly Englund of Wenatchee, Washington; Christie (and Andrew) Loucks of Wenatchee, Washington; Brian (and Stacia) Englund; Joel (and Katherine) Gerlach of Eugene, Oregon and their children Olivia and Milo; Amy (and Bobby) Puckett and their son, Wylde, Beaverton, Oregon; Heidi (and Israel) Bloodgood of Bristol, England and their son, Percy; Jesse (and Graice) Gerlach of Peoria, Oregon and their son, Ozias; Dan (and Tessa) Gerlach of Springfield, Oregon; Michael Harry of Clackamas, Oregon; Alison Harry of Salem, Oregon.

Ruth’s presence will be missed by her family, her church and by the Capital Manor residents and staff.