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April 2, 1949 - December 23, 2024

In Loving Memory ~

Ruth was born April 2, 1949 and left us on December 23, 2024 after a long battle with lung cancer.

She is survived by her son Keenan, daughter-in-law Deidra, granddaughter Freya, and brother John (Jennifer).

She was predeceased by her son Nigel.

Ruth was born and raised in Vancouver in the 1950's and 60's when times were a lot different. After high school she had a varied life living in Vancouver, Squamish, and Logan Lake. In the 1970's she spent 2 1/2 years travelling around the world, including working in New Zealand for a period of time.

After returning from her travels, she moved to Smithers around 1975 and built her log house on the Telkwa High Road. She spent years there raising goats, gardening, living with her partner Ted Turner and raising her sons.

She worked for the Ministry of Forests then for Bill Goodacre as a constituency associate for a number of years. She became an advocate for people experiencing problems with government and other issues, often poverty related. She was always one fighting for the disadvantaged and standing up to authority. This trait dated back to her youth and stayed with her until the end.

In the last few years Ruth suffered a number of health issues. With declining abilities, she moved to town and bought a patio home where she continued offering help to some who needed it. She was very generous, sometimes to her own disadvantage. She will be missed by many family and friends.

Her family would like to thank the staff at the Bulkley Valley Hospital who made the final part of her life as comfortable as possible. They are truly dedicated care givers.

A memorial gathering will be held later in the spring and announced at a later date.



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