Elizabeth A. Ruchaber

Elizabeth Anne Ruchaber (Ella), born October 24, 1949, in Hasfurt, Germany, passed away on February 8, 2026. She was the daughter of Alexander Wenta and Leokadia Wrwenski, and from the very beginning her life was marked by resilience and quiet strength. As an infant, she spent her first year in the hospital recovering from tuberculosis, an early storm she weathered with the same courage and perseverance that would define her entire life.

Ella grew up in Proctor, Vermont, where she graduated from Proctor High School in 1968. She continued her education at St. Joseph College in Old Bennington, Vermont, earning an associate degree in business in 1970. Her keen mind, steady work ethic, and natural gift for organization led her into a long and respected career in accounting.

In the early 1980s, Ella began working as a bookkeeper and tax preparer for Mary Sykes CPA in Roseburg, Oregon, where she remained until 1998. She then joined Family Vision Center in Eugene as a bookkeeper and payroll specialist, faithfully serving there until her retirement in 2020.

The love of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, was the foundation of Ella’s life. She was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church in Roseburg, and later, Eugene. She especially cherished her years working with the two- and three-year-olds, pouring love, patience, and joy into the youngest members of her church family. A verse she held close to her heart, and used in her written life testimony, was Psalm 55:22:“Cast all your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you.” Those who knew her saw this verse lived out by Elizabeth daily.

Ella’s greatest devotion was to her children. She made incredible sacrifices to ensure that her son and daughter had the best lives possible, always putting their needs before her own. Her love was steadfast and selfless, and her quiet strength shaped their lives in immeasurable ways.

Ella loved the simple, beautiful things in life. She adored spending time with her grandchildren, who were the light of her world. In the final year of her life, she was also blessed by her precious great-granddaughter Evelyn, who brought her tremendous joy and comfort. She loved plants, flowers, and gardening, and her home was always surrounded by vibrant blooms. Her yard was her sanctuary, a place where she nurtured beauty with the same dedication she gave her family and her faith.

Joy was always her strength, and despite facing numerous hardships, Ella was full of more grace, laughter, and zest for life than just about anyone, meeting every challenge with courage and every blessing with gratitude.

Ella is survived by her brothers Ted Wenta (Lorraine) and Albert Wenta; her children Jason Ruchaber (Allison) and Nichole Solberg (Trapper); her beloved grandchildren Parker, Jaxson, Annabella and Bennett; and her great-granddaughter Evelyn.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters Donya, Agnes; and her brother Henry.

Ellla’s legacy is one of faith, resilience, kindness, and love. She will be remembered for her radiant spirit, her love of Jesus and unwavering devotion to her family, and the way she made every place she touched a little more beautiful.