October 13, 1920 – November 28, 2011
Ruth, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother passed away peacefully at Victoria General Hospital, Victoria, BC on November 29, 2011. She leaves to mourn Harold, her loving husband of more than 68 years, her daughter Carol (Richard) Heatherington of Victoria and her son Norman (Claudia) of Ottawa as well as six grandchildren (Morgane, Lina and Eleanor Riddell and Colin, Craig and Kirsten Heatherington), five great grandchildren (Justin Riddell-Popowich, Sacha and Luca Riddell-Carnevale, Jerome Riddell-Leroux and Valentina Heatherington), her sisters Isabel Dahl, Hazel Belsher and Dorothy Schneider, her brother Everett Evans and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Ruth was predeceased by her brother, Lawrence, and sister, Beth.
Born 13 October 1920 in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, the second daughter of George and Eleanor Evans, she completed her public and high school in Davis, Saskatchewan and Normal School in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. In 1943 she married Harold Riddell and moved to Brownlee, Saskatchewan where she taught public school. In 1960 she returned to Saskatoon to earn Bachelor and Masters degrees in education and English literature at the University of Saskatchewan. There followed a long and productive career teaching high school English in Saskatoon and Calgary. Following retirement, she moved to Sidney, British Columbia and then to Victoria where she and her husband were faithful members of Emmanuel Baptist Church.
As her many students will attest, Ruth was a highly gifted teacher, capable of instilling both the elements of English grammar and a love of literature. A loving mother, she set high standards for her children and provided generous support in helping them to succeed. She was also an accomplished and gracious hostess who opened her home to her large family and many friends. She is especially remembered for her thoughtfulness and support of others and her generosity to a wide range of charities. Ruth will be sadly missed by all who knew her.
A funeral service will be held at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 2121 Cedar Hill X Road, on Friday 9 December at 2 PM followed by a reception where the immediate family will receive family and friends.
Donations in lieu of flowers in Ruth’s memory may be made to the BC Cancer Society or Canadian Bible Society for those wishing to do so. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
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Val Young
Dear Harold & family,
I’m sorry I was unable to pay my respects to Ruth yesterday. We have missed the 2 of you at our STS meetings this past couple of years.
I know I speak for everyone at STS as well as myself when I say I’m sorry it is Ruth’s time to go. I’m very glad I’ve had the oportunity to have both of you touch my life.
The very best to you Harold and the family,
Val
[Val Young, secretary, Victoria Chapter of the STS]