Ruth E. (Seiler) Bushkovski

May 15, 1924 – January 14, 2017 (age 92)

Born in Madrid, NE to her parents, Conrad and Elizabeth Froschheiser, who were of Russian German descent. Ruth was the youngest of Eight children. She was born and raised on the family farm in Madrid, NE. She attended the local Perkins County, NE one-room country school through the Eighth Grade.

Ruth and her brother, Conrad, were musically inclined and each had a particular instrument they played. Ruth was self-taught to play the piano and organ, with the help of a teacher showing her chording, who stayed with her family when Ruth was Nine years old. She never read music but rather played by ear. She had a keen sense of hearing and could play any tune you requested. She and her brother would pack up their parents’ pump organ and play music at farm dances on the weekends. That 100+ year old organ is still in the family today. Music and Dancing were the loves of her life. She utilized her musical ability to play the piano to bring smiles and joy to many people over the years. It was especially valued by the residents and staff at Columbine Commons Asst. Living and the Health and Rehab facilities over this past year; right up until a week ago when she began to fail.

Family and friends lovingly referred to her as “Ruthie”. She was a vivacious, fun loving woman with a wonderful sense of humor, who loved to socialize. She was always had a smile or was laughing. She married Jacob Seiler, Jr. in 1942. They had two sons, Warren Eugene and Randall Lynn. Unfortunately Randy passed away in 2008; which left Ruthie and families heartbroken to lose him so soon in life. Ruthie enjoyed being a Grandma. She was proud of all her grandchildren and loved them very much.

Ruth was baptized June 20, 1924 and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran church in Ogallala, NE June 12, 1938. She joined Faith Lutheran Church in 1956 after her and Jake moved to Denver. She has been a participating member of this church for 61 years. She has always been a believer and a faithful follower of God. She was active in the church and served as Chairman of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League for many years, as well as started the Ruth Circle and headed up the Quilters Club/Bible Study Group which produced many beautiful quilts. She was a devoted volunteer at St. Anthony's Hospital, where she assisted in their Thrift Shop. She was so proud of the fact that the money they took in was donated to the Flight for Life Helicopter services.

She met the love of her life, Albert (Al) Bushkovski and married him on Valentine’s Day of 1971. She had a wonderful life with him, which included their shared loved of camping, hunting and fishing. Ruthie has shot elk and even a moose in Canada and of course many a fish have been on her fishing line over the years. Since Ruthie loved to dance and Al was not a dancer; he surprised her and took Arthur Murray dancing lessons so they could share dancing together too. They belonged to a Travel Club and took many world trips/cruises to include Germany, Russia, the Scandinavian countries & many others. The African Safari trip was her very favorite. Al experienced many health issues over the years and passed on to his heavenly home in August, 2001 at the age of 85. Since that time of being widowed, Ruth resided in their home on Quitman Street in North Denver, all alone. She stayed active and became very independent and never was afraid to live there by herself. She had wonderful friends and neighbors that visited often. Ruthie was the party house for neighborhood functions and she hosted her monthly Pinochle Club. She loved that group of people and playing cards with them.

Ruthie for many years has had congestive heart failure, had surgeries to repair arties and even suffered a heart attack, but she always came back strong. Thanks in a very large part to her outstanding Cardiologist, Dr. Michael Ptasnik. He treated both Ruth and Al over the past 50 years and our family adores him. Her son, Warren and daughter-in-law, Rose Anne moved from California back to Colorado in 2005 to be close by and be able to spend more time with her. They promised her they would keep her in her home as long as possible. Home Instead assisted her a period of time to help her stay at home. That is up until she took her last fall in January, 2016 which took her to emergency and then admittance into the hospital. All doctors confirmed she could not return to living alone safely. On January 8, 2016, she was admitted to Rehab at Columbine Commons facility in Windsor, CO. After two months she was transferred to the Assisted Living part of the facility. She had a nice two room apartment and lots of socialization, excellent food and good care. She celebrated her 92nd birthday there with a big party attended by 87 people. By July she had fallen again and she was having such trouble with fluid retention in her legs. She had to be admitted to the hospital again and then back to the same Rehab. Following 6 weeks of rehab, it was determined by her doctors she could not be independent enough to return to Asst. Living and she entered the nursing care side of the facility until her passing on January 14, 2017. She was the facilitiy’s favorite resident and was loved by so many. Even though Ruthie’s vascular dementia continued to worsen, she was always so kind and appreciative to everyone that helped her. All the staff members, from administrators, aides, meal providers, nurses and doctors were distraught and in tears when they knew she was rapidly declining.

Each person she touched over the past 92 years was blessed to have known her and shared in her active life. The family thanks all of you for your visits, calls, expressions of concern and the many prayers over the past year which assisted us in caring for her. She will be sorely missed by many.

She will live on in our hearts and fond memories.

Preceded in death by her former husband, Jacob Seiler, Jr; husband, Albert Bushkovski; parents: Conrad and Elizabeth Froschheiser; brothers: Lucas, Alex, Conrad and John; sisters: Lydia, Mary and Rosa; her son Randall Seiler and step-children, Judy Bender and Paul Bushkovski.

Surviving Relatives: Son Warren Seiler (Rose Anne) of Severance, CO; Daughter-in-law, Julie Seiler of Roswell, NM; Step Daughter, Carol Stephens of Denver, CO; Grandchildren: Lyndsay Seiler and Randy Seiler of Las Cruces, NM; Step-Grandchildren: Heather Wiggins-Dunlap (Bill) of Moorpark, CA; Lyman Bushkovski of Pueblo, CO, Gerri Bushkovski-Clark (John) of Chicago, IL, Emily Martin (Brett) of Lakewood, CO and Sarah Tiedmann (Kurt) of Peyton, CO.

She is also survived by 16 nieces and 15 nephews from varying parts of NE, CO, WY, CA, and MN. Also many great nieces and nephews, all of whom referred to her as Aunt Ruthie. She had many other special family members and dear friends. She cherished each and every one of them.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ruth's name to the SAH Volunteer Services Fund (SAH stands for St. Anthony's Hospital), to be sent to: St. Anthony's Hospital, c/o Volunteer Department, 11600 West Second Place, Lakewood, CA 80228, or Faith Lutheran Church.

Arrangements under the direction of Olinger Crown Hill Mortuary, Cemetery & Arboretum, Wheat Ridge, CO.