Ruth Joan Westergaard (nee Hegeler) died February 14, 2012 in Vero Beach, Florida. Born January 14, 1931, Mrs. Westergaard came to Florida in 1983 from Totowa, N.J. Daughter of the late Herman and Gertrude Hegeler (nee Engelhaupt), her family owned Knickerbockers Ice Cream and Candy Store in Paterson, NJ for many years. She is survived by her husband of 61 years Marinus (Rin) Westergaard, daughter Rene (Michael) McCullers, granddaughters Michelle McCullers, Jamie Lynn Westergaard, daughter in law Sue Brink, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Predeceased by son Glenn Westergaard 1994. Services will be held at a later date in NJ.

Alzheimer's Association Southeast Florida Chapter P.O. Box 22594 West Palm Beach, FL. 33416.

Arrangements are under the direction of Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home and Crematory in Vero Beach, FL. Online condolences may be sent at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com.