January 1, 2022
The family of Ruth Coretta Turner is sad to announce her passing on January 1st 2022, at the age of 95, in Vernon Jubilee Hospital. Ruth was predeceased by her parents, Lizzie and Gerald Wiley, and also by her brother Cecil Wiley. She is survived by Dave Johnston, her loving spouse of 43 years, by her four children—Barbara Anderson, Gary Sherk, Deeny Grazier, and Judy Nickel—and by her sister Dorothy (Dot) Routley.
Mom was also the elder axis in an extended family network. Her passing is a deep loss and great sorrow for her many grandchildren and great grandchildren. She faithfully followed their whereabouts and activities, and was always fiercely proud of their progress and achievements. They never in their lives had a harsh word from Nana. She loved, supported, and encouraged every one of them unconditionally.
Mom was one of those fortunate, hardy people who are able to live fully right up to the end: at 95, her mind remained sharp; her eyes were clear; her ears were keen, and her spirit was strong. In many ways, she was the glue and the spirit that held us all together.
Born on a homestead at Dapp, Alberta, in 1926, Mom was a child of the Great Depression, a young mother during World War II, and a hard, capable worker in many different endeavours during her life. She worked in the family sawmill, she ran the family hardware store, she laid sewer pipe on construction sites. She sold real estate. She won a new car for being a company's top insurance salesperson in BC. She promoted and managed Dave's long career as a country music entertainer. In her mature years she never missed a Toronto Blue Jays game or a chance to show her considerable skill at the Blackjack table.
We are saddened by Mom's passing, but at the same time grateful for the long time we had with her. May she rest in peace.
Unfortunately, the Covid 19 epidemic means we are unable to have a public memorial service at this time.