February 10, 2019
With deep sadness, Ruth's family announce her passing after a long struggle with dementia. Ruth was born to Swedish homesteaders in September 1925 on the family farm in Pendryl, Alberta. Ruth was the oldest girl in a family of nine children. Her mother died when Ruth was 13, and Ruth took on the care of her six younger siblings. As a young woman, Ruth moved to Vancouver. She found work at a tailor's shop where she learned sewing and tailoring skills she would use for years. In 1948, she married Ernie McNeill. Their two sons were born in Vancouver. In 1958, the family moved to California, where they lived for several years. In 1975, Ruth returned to Vancouver to help care for her ailing father. After his passing, she decided to stay, taking a clerical job at Woodward's until 1990.
In 1978, Ruth, along with her sister Doris, moved to North Vancouver, remaining there until 2007, when she moved to Vernon, BC, to be closer to her son while caring for Doris. Ruth lived independently until 2013 when she moved to Carrington Place. As her dementia and osteoporosis worsened, she moved to the Hamlets at Vernon.
Ruth was a wonderful person, full of life and willing to take on any adventure. She loved to walk, and it took quite a bit of effort to keep up with her.
Ruth will be sadly missed by her family. She is survived by her sons - Dan (Pat) of Vernon & Robert (Jenifer) of Hawthorne, California; grandchildren - Alison (Yvon) of Prince George, BC & Jason (Nicole) of Leduc, AB; four great- grandchildren; sisters - Helen Cuthbert of Vernon & Ivy Seely of Rimbey, AB; and many nieces & nephews. Ruth will also be fondly remembered by the congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses of which she was a devoted member for many years.
Heartfelt thanks to the Interior Health Community Care aides & nurses, and the Carrington Place & Hamlets staff for their excellent care and compassion.
A memorial will be held in the spring and internment of her ashes will be in the family plot in Maywood Cemetery, Buck Lake, AB.
Any who wish to do so may send donations in memory of Ruth to the Alzheimer Society of Canada or to Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation.
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