Samantha Rusk Van Leeuwen, 43, formerly of Forest Park, died Feb. 1. She was born to long time Forest Park residents George and Elva Rusk on May 4, 1970. She was a loving and playful child who loved music, art, and cooking. Her love of cooking prompted her to open her own food truck along with her husband Mark in their home of New Castle, Colo.
She is survived by her husband Mark Van Leeuwen of Colorado, her parents, George and Elva Rusk of Momence, Ill., brother Terry (Teresa) Rusk of North Carolina, sister Cathy (Tom)Titus of New York along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.
A Life Celebration focusing on her creative spirit is planned for May 4, 2014 at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Momence.
“If tears can build a stairway, and memories a lane.
I’d walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.”
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Exempla Lutheran Hospice at Collier, 8300 West 38th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, Colo. 80033
