December 21, 1932 - February 20, 2019
Ruth was born on the Foy family farm in Meyronne, Saskatchewan on December 21st, 1932. She was the second of three children born to Charles and Georgena Foy. She loved life on the farm with her parents and siblings: older brother, Jim (Kay) and younger brother, Bruce (Marg). Her stories of the animals; challenges; and, most importantly, the love of her family were shared with wonderful detail, attesting to her amazing memory.
Ruth began her banking career in Regina and it was there on a blind date that she met the love of her life, Earl. He said that when she opened the door, he knew this was the girl. Earl's schooling took them to UBC in their beloved Volkswagen Beetle. Although a summer living in White Rock convinced them to move to BC, Ruth's heart never really left Saskatchewan: she cheered on the Roughriders and any curler wearing the green of Saskatchewan. First stop after marriage was Cranbrook where Christine and Sally were born. Those days were looked on with much fondness: filled with parties centred around the Gyro Club, curling, and raising the two girls. Next came Kitimat where Bruce (Katrina) and Brent (Carolynn) were born. Memories of Kitimat are of snow to the rooftops and Ruth shooing bears away from the back porch. Eventually the family settled in Mission which would become home for the rest of their lives. Ruth went back to work in the Mission CIBC, eventually retiring from the downtown Abbotsford branch. Just as she was in all aspects of her life, Ruth was a loyal, hardworking and dedicated employee. She was often the first one at the bank on a snowy morning making sure everything was open. Those who knew Ruth remember her as a kind, generous person. Lending a hand to all was a quality she learned from her parents whom she greatly admired.
Although she loved the prairies, Ruth also enjoyed what BC had to offer: Manning Park; Harrison Hot Springs; Fort Langley; and, her favourite, Rolley Lake. Ruth delighted in the friendly, respectful interactions she had while out in the Mission community, whether browsing for gifts in a local shop, having her hair done or attending a concert at the Clarke Theatre.
Ruth took great pride and joy in her five grandchildren: Ella, Lucy, Macintyre, Benjamin and Ethan. For all of us, it is the warm embrace of her home and the countless celebrations of family and friends that Ruth hosted with good food and a generous heart that will forever be in our memories. She was the true centre of our family and we miss her dearly.
Ruth was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Earl; her brother, Jim; her daughter-in-law, Rita; and her beloved daughter, Sally.
By request, there will be no public service; a private Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. The family would like to express deep gratitude to the compassionate staff who cared for Ruth in the Christine Morrison Hospice. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation to this wonderful facility.