November 7, 1937 - August 21, 2022
1937 - 2022 ~
Margaret Nan Rueger (nee Hartley) passed away at the age of 84 on August 21, 2022 at The Hamlets in Kamloops, BC where she had been a resident for the past year. Nan was born in Lethbridge, Alberta on November 7, 1937, the eldest daughter of Doug and Evelyn (nee Ober) Hartley. After brief sojourns in Edmonton, Dawson Creek, and Vancouver, the Hartley family settled in Chilliwack, BC in 1946. After graduation from the provincial Normal School, Nan began her career as a teacher at the age of 19 in Williams Lake, BC where she met Ewald Rueger.
Nan and Ewald were married on April 26, 1957 in Chilliwack and started their family in Williams Lake where they lived until 1965. Between 1965 and 1967 they followed job opportunities to Kamloops, Coquitlam, and New Westminster, before settling in Vernon, BC in 1967. For the next 31 years, Nan taught primary grade classes in Vernon at the Beairsto and Hillview Elementary schools.
After a teaching career spanning 41 years, Nan began her richly deserved retirement in 1998. Ewald passed away in 2003 and Nan moved to Kamloops in 2012 with her beloved dogs, Cory and Gus, to be closer to family. Her retirement was filled with travel, learning new things, and even teaching dog agility classes (once a teacher, always a teacher!).
Nan is survived by one son, Jeff (Laurien) in Terrace, BC and two daughters, Cathy in Kamloops, and Pauline (Mike) in Kelowna, BC; four grandchildren Emily, Leah, Shawn, and Cindal; and three great- grandchildren Kole, Erik, and Thomas. She is also survived by brother Ken (June) and sister Jolayne, both of Kamloops.
Nan was also predeceased by her parents Doug (1975) and Evelyn (2001), and brothers Bud (1999) and Bob (2007).
There will be no service by request. Her children wish to thank the many people who over the years enriched Nan's life with their friendship. Please remember the happy times with Nan, and above all, be kind to every dog you meet. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favourite charity.