Sunrise 3:14 am March 17, 1956 ~ Sunset 10:27 pm April 13, 2024
at the age of 68 years:
Our beloved mother passed into the moon, stars and heavens above at the North Okanagan Hospice House with her 3 daughters and brother by her side.
She is predeceased by her grandson Gabriel Kelly and her parents Wilma and Dalt Dean. She is survived by her three daughters Heather (Craig), Shannon (Lee) and Andrea (Elmer) and her grandchildren Yvette, Jacinta, Rowan, Solomon, Jade, Jared, Lincoln and Lennox, her brother Bruce (Maryann).
Ruth was a tactile artist and found great joy in creating her art, alongside her green thumb and her love of plants and gardens. She was always thinking of others and enjoyed sharing her knack of special gifts including grandma’s recipes.
Ruth was loved by so many, including her community and friendships she built throughout her life. In her last days in hospice, she was so grateful to be visited by her favorite people (including her beautiful cousin Karen Nye). Ruth told everyone how happy she was and she was having the best days of her life, throughout her pain she was surrounded by love.
“We all think it’s the big moments that define our lives ~ the promotion, the new baby, the kitchen renovation, the wedding ~ but the narrative of our lives is written in the small, the simple, the common, the overlooked, the discarded, the reclaimed.
Life is not made of minutes, hours, days, weeks, months or years, but the moments, you must experience each one before you appreciate it. Savor the sensations whether shampooing hair, cooking a meal or taking a walk. These moments whether happy, routine or even painful are life’s heartbeats. ❤
Gratitude and heartfelt thanks from Mom and family to Dr. Noah Massa, Dr. Ed Hardy and all the staff and volunteers at North Okanagan Hospice Society for their care and support.
We ask, should you wish, to donate to the Vernon Hospice Society or plant a flower in her memory.
The world is a little less sparkly and bright without you here Mumma
Ruth made the world more beautiful – with her art, with her gardens, with her children, with her friendships, with her steadfast heart and now, with her memory. I give thanks that I knew her.
Ruth was my friend. My kindred spirit. It is hard to beleive that she is gone so quickly. In a heartbeat. Ruth was an artist, everything she touched showed her creative and artistic talents. Her home decorating, her garden, the way she dressed, her plants, live for beautiful things, creating visual arts. Ruth loved her family and they were the most important thing in her life.
I offer my deepest condolences to all the family and friends. Although I did not know Ruth very well, I did cherish all the moments we spent together while spending time with her and her family. Her smile was illuminating and although she was taken too soon her memory will carry on through the three incredible daughters she brought into this world. Sending love to you Ruth ❤ Rest in Peace
Your mom, Ruth was one of my best friends since 7th grade. We’ve had many adventures together. Especially going thrift shopping quite regularly. I’m glad we had such a close friendship and got to see you girls grow up and become such wonderful adults. I will cherish our memories forever. Rest in peace my friend.
Losing a parent is an unimaginable pain. May your mom Ruth’s legacy of kindness and love continue to support you all, as you navigate this difficult journey. Ruth was a true friend and blessing to us. Her memory will forever be a source of inspiration for Jim and I.
My condolences to all the family. I do remember Ruth as a very kind, loving person. Rest in peace Ruth.