Ruth Evangeline LaGesse, known as “Vangie”, of Puyallup, Washington was born on January 1st, 1928 in Prentice, Wisconsin. She departed this world to join her Savior and a host of loved ones who have gone on before her on April 3rd, 2026, at the age of 98.

Among those preceding her in death are her parents, Axel and Judith Rendahl, brothers and sisters-in-law: John Stanley&Lillian Rendahl, Roger&Mary Rendahl and Emory&Helen Rendahl.

Vangie was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Rev. Keith D. LaGesse. For 45 years they had ministered together in Southern Baptist and Converge churches in Missouri, Kentucky, Minnesota and Washington.

Vangie is survived by her six children: Connie (Roger) Smedman of Eagan, MN; Rebecca (Doyle) Musser of New Britain, CT; Steven (Sandee) LaGesse of Walton, KY; Dr. Philip (Lisa) LaGesse of North Bend, OR; Karen (Ottavio) Mignoli of Puyallup, WA and Mary (Rick) Morrow of Ocala, FL; 22 grandchildren; 34, and counting great-grandchildren.

After moving to Puyallup with her husband, Keith, in 1978, Vangie worked as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for 15 years. Following her retirement she operated Puyallup Custom Frame and Art in downtown Puyallup for 22 years before selling the business in 2015.

She was active in Main Street Association and Altrusa for many years and blessed several local churches with her beautiful piano playing until she retired from performing at the age of 93.

Incredibly intelligent and both artistically and musically talented, Vangie was quiet, gentle, loving and a force to be reckoned with.

Vangie was deeply loved and a blessing to all who knew her. She will be greatly missed.

Her life will be celebrated on July 2nd, 2026 at Puyallup Community Baptist Church at 2:00 in the afternoon.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Ruth E LaGesse:

Deacons' Fund

The Homes of Ethnos360

312 West First Street

Sanford, FL 32771

Donations made to the deacons’ fund will go to help cover the expenses of the retired missionary residents and the staff that serve them.