RUTH RUEL

With profound sadness we announce the passing of Ruth, loving wife, dedicated mother, grandmother, great grandmother and true friend to many.

In her beloved home of 61 years, immersed in love, Ruth found eternal rest.

She leaves to mourn Gil, loving husband of 65 years; son Jim; daughter Monique Wichenko (Scott); son in law, Remy; Grandchildren, Lucas (Demi), Hugh (Lisa) & Taryn (Steve); Great grandson (Charlie); numerous nieces & nephews and a multitude of friends. She will reunite in eternity with her daughter Aline, her parents and siblings.

Ruth was the youngest of seven, born in the small town of Forget (For-Jay) Saskatchewan. She spoke of the struggles of the farm during the “Dirty Thirties” and the eventual migration to Winnipeg. It was during that time of struggle and low means, that she developed her scrappiness, compassionate heart and love for animals, especially dogs and horses. She spoke of how her parents toiled to provide but still had ample space for laughter and for fun allowing for a spirit playfulness to emerge in her.

Thanks to Ruth’s Mom’s courage she found her way to Assiniboine School for grade 3. There she was embraced by loving staff who saw her worth and where she met her Lifelong Friends. Ruth moved on to St. James Collegiate where she became a very proud alumna.

By the age of 14, after losing her Dad, she and her Mom navigated an often-intolerant world together. She spoke recently of her gratitude for her Mom’s good humour, tenacity and willingness to accept help that resulted in many supportive friendships.

As a young adult, Ruth was hired as a dental assistant at the Assiniboine Clinic, a role that she absolutely loved. She spoke so proudly of her work there and fondly of Dr. Shortill who valued and supported her while working as well as after she became a mother and chose to remain home.

It was the dental world that led to Ruth and Gil’s union. Gil’s sister was a colleague of Ruth’s and introduced them through dental visits. They married in 1960.

With their shared love of community and sports, they joined the “Buffalo Recreation Club” where, for many years, they made lasting friendships while participating in golf, curling and bowling.

As they needed space to nurture and raise a growing family, they purchased a brand-new bungalow in Windsor Park. To Ruth, this was a palace which she cared for impeccably. It was a palace with an open door for all people and pets. Her kitchen was the gathering place for countless everyday and holiday meals. Somehow, she always found space for guests, many kids carnivals & events and there was always an extra place at the table. Her favourite moments were when folks just “popped in” for a visit.

While her focus was to ensure that her family was raised well and healthy, Ruth also cared for her community. She joined committees to keep it safe and vibrant. She volunteered so much at the elementary school that she was offered a job as a teacher’s assistant, allowing her to have paid work and still be available for her family.

Her volunteering continued throughout her entire life. Ruth was welcomed into the Bell MTS Pioneers where she shared her sewing talent and her energy to be part of a service that has helped so many in Winnipeg. These projects include the St Boniface Hospital Heart pillows, surgical caps for health care workers, Teddy Bear clothing for the Teddy Bear picnic, to name just a few. Ruth also thoroughly enjoyed assisting at the Children’s Hospital Book Sales at St. Vital Centre. She continued to contribute with her sewing from home right up until mid September.

Ruth never saw herself as anything more than an ordinary citizen, being part of a greater whole. She was thrust in to being extraordinary twenty-seven years ago when she accepted an incredible gift of a donated liver.

With grit and gratitude, Ruth made this transplant a huge success, allowing for her to engage fully in her many pursuits. None of these being greater than absorbing herself in the role of Gramma. In this, she gave her all to cuddle, to support and to relish in all of the milestones and successes of her three grandkids as they grew into adulthood.

With spring of this year came the start of significant changes to her health and function, as the wear and tear of her organs became severe. There was, however, some unfinished business. Ruth summoned up every last drop of scrappiness to be fully present for the arrival of Charlie in May, officially adding “Great” to Gramma! She revelled in the joy of this new life, embracing each moment and remaining focused on the future.

Great Gramma will be incredibly missed. Her spirit of nurturing, giving, playfulness and humility has penetrated the hearts of her family and friends, and thus, will continue to enhance many lives.

Ruth’s family would like to express gratitude to the many health care providers whose expertise and compassion contributed to this incredible story. Special thanks to Dr. D Breckman, Dr. K. Kaita and the WRHA Liver Clinic, Dr. J Zacharias & Nephrology team, Grace Hospital Emergency and 3 North teams, the WRHA Palliative Care Team and the University of Alberta Liver Transplant Program.

If loved ones so desire, donations can be made in Ruth’s name to Transplant Manitoba or the Winnipeg Humane Society. 

A Celebration of Ruth’s Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 5th, 2025, at First Unitarian Universalist Church of Winnipeg, 603 Wellington Crescent at Academy Road.

Ruth’s family kindly requests that all of her friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour her memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

1833 Portage Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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