The following messages of condolence and symbols
have been added in memory of Ruth.

Hi all, I’ve spoken with Seasons who have an external videographer currently editing and finalizing the webcast recording. Once it is all ready they’ll provide a link or copy, I’m uncertain of the format. As it is an external provider and not their standard in-house team, it will likely take a few weeks before it’s available.

However, once it is complete and available, I will be sure to send it your way. If you’d like to be advised of the recording, please get in touch with either myself or the family so we can include you on the email!

Thank you again for sharing in remembering grandma. 

K

(Photo: Grandma, Dec 1959, in their first home after their honeymoon)

I met Ruth a few times when she and Dick visited Yorkton. Her mom Ersula, and my parents Walter and Pearl, were very good friends. I remember Ersula always updating us on what Ruth Ann (her mom always called her by her full name) and Dick and the children were doing. When my mom could no longer send Christmas greetings, I started writing to Ruth and Dick at Christmas. We eventually shared email addresses and communicated that way. She was so proud of Elizabeth and Michael and Desia and Kimberley and that came through in her emails. It was always good to hear how her and Dick were doing and what they were doing. My deepest condolences on your loss and may her memory be a blessing to all.

Thank you all for joining us in remembering Grandma.

It is heartwarming to hear about the positive connections she formed over her life and travels with grandpa across this little ball we call Earth. It sounds like she couldn’t help but create community wherever she went.

As this page will be around for the next year, please return and share a memory whenever they come to mind, or reach out and tell a story grandma may have loved to hear. Even if it’s just to say “Hey Ruth, miss you!”. It’ll be good to know she’s in people’s hearts and minds.

Warmest regards, the family.

(Photo: Grandma in 1959 during their honeymoon through USA)

When I heard of Ruths passing it brought back so many old memories of another time in Zimbabwe, particularly of shared family gatherings and finding out about a whole new food group - jelly salads??! Mum and Mrs Laban were friends from the moment they first met in the immigration flats in Mabelreign. Those flats where a source of many happy memories of crazy free range times and lasting friendships for adults and children alike. Those were times I never thought would end, but when they did I tucked my memories away in a special place and moved on. My memories of Zimbabwe are closely intertwined with my memories of Mrs Laban (like Jillian she was Mrs Laban back then) she was part of the family even before Sean and Elizabeth married. The sad thing is distance and time separated us and me, being a bad communicator, did not help. Ruth tried to keep in touch but life sometimes takes a different course. As I think now I also realise that being family sometimes changes ones perspective and we stop seeing people for their uniqueness. Im guily of that and so as I sit here in South Africa I send my love and shed a few tears for a family so far away that I sometimes take you for granted, never forgotten, just tucked away I guess. Love to you Ruth and to you all who I do miss xxx

Dick, Elizabeth, Michael and all your family. What a beautiful funeral. So very sorry you have lost your dear wife, mother and grandmother. We have such fond memories of our days together in Zimbabwe. Thinking of you all.

Thank you for sharing your love of music and cooking with me. Will always remember tinkling the ivories terribly with Bec and Erin, enjoying weekend visits and family festive occasion together (your green jelly salad was wicked) and annoying you about your mole. You were as much a grandma to us as you were to De and Kimberly. Rest in peace Grandma Ruth xo

I spent so many happy days with Ruth and her family when we all lived in Zimbabwe. What a wonderful lady who always made me feel so welcome. xxx

Remembering a wonderful lady who welcomed me into her family. Always remembered. Xxxxxx