Ruth was born in Medicine Hat, Alberta, July 14, 1908. She lived as a farm girl through her early years, but was encouraged by her mother to leave the farm and train as a stenographer. She took this advice, trained in Regina and eventually became secretary to the City’s Mayor. Ruth then married Robert (Bob) Harris and moved to Winnipeg where they spent many winters travelling and summers golfing. Retirement brought Bob and Ruth to the Coast where they could golf, winter and summer. They joined the Colwood Golf Club and Ruth continued with golf after Bob’s passing in 1980. Never to go out of the apartment without earrings, make-up, impeccable grooming and a matching outfit; Ruth was a fiercely independent lady until recently. She was helped this past year by the “wonderful girls at Beacon”, the caring staff with assisted living and the Luther Court staff. Words cannot convey the level of patience and real dedication shown by the case managers, administration, maintenance, RN’s, LPN’s, and RCA’s for Ruth’s life the 12 years she lived at Luther Court. Her last weeks were within the care facility at Luther Court. Ruth was a very organized lady keeping in touch with family and friends from the prairies and afar for many years. Goodbyes were said by her Australia family, Bob and Janet and children with a lovely visit in January 2009. She will be sadly missed by her dear niece, Joyce McHugh of Langley, BC. Ruth was “adopted” by her cousins, the Hollingshead family, who included her always. We will all choose to remember the quiet, but so important 100th birthday on July 14, 2008.
Ruth requested no service but would love to know you hit a few balls for her, dressed up for dinner, watched a hockey or golf game, read a romance novel, or phoned a friend. She lived a full and active life for 100 years and did it her way.
Leave Condolence