Barbel Annemarie Ruane

Barbel (Baerbel) Annemarie Ruane, nee: Blase Barbel Ruane passed away peacefully after courageously battling the various stages of Dementia for many years. After surviving the harrowing experiences of World War II and its aftermath as a very young girl in Berlin, Germany where she was born, Barbel accepted a Nanny Position emigrating to England at the tender age of eighteen. Eventually, Barbel transitioned to a new job working at a child orphanage for disabled/handicapped children. Not only did she fall in love working with those special children but, the children all fell in love with her! Barbel met and married an American Soldier, James Ruane who was stationed in the vicinity with the US Air Force. Their first daughter Brigitte was born there before their move to the United States. Barbel's young family eventually settled in Anchorage, Alaska after giving birth to two more daughters, Kathleen and Rachel. Barbel worked at various places in many different positions from Maintenance to Kitchen Helper and Gardener at Oriental Gardens to Merchandiser at JC Penney and eventually retiring from Hallmark. She distinguished herself as being a very hard worker and dedicated employee. She was loved by all who were lucky enough to know her. After the untimely death of James, Barbel met and was remarried to Rainer Helm. Just three months shy of their Forty Year Anniversary, Barbel passed away at her beloved home under Hospice/Comfort Care. Barbel was proceeded in death by her first husband, James and her youngest daughter, Rachel. She is survived by her second husband, Rainer Helm, sister, Brigitte and Rosemarie, daughters, Brigitte (Roger) and Kathleen. Also grandchildren, James (Dani), Cassandra (Chris), Emily, Charles, Henry, Eli, Phineas/Finny, five great grandchildren, step-daughter Angela (Bryan) and step-son Kurtis (Julie) and their families. The family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to all the wonderful and caring staff at Providence Alaska Medical Center and Providence Hospice and Palliative Care. All were very caring and amazingly attentive to all of Barbel's needs and comfort. As were her wishes, there will be no services at this time. Barbel's wish was to be cremated and her ashes spread at her most favorite place which will occur later this coming summer. Donations in Barbel's name may be made to support her favorite charity, St. Jude Children's Hospital.