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Ruth George

1921 - 2021

Ruth George obituary, 1921-2021, Virden, MB

BORN

1921

DIED

2021

Ruth George Obituary

The family of Ruth George announces her passing on August 7, 2021. She had remarkably reached her milestone 100th year and was residing at Elkwood Manor, Elkhorn, MB.

Ruth was born at Virden District Hospital on March 4, 1921, to parents George & Grace Ogilvie of the Springvale District.

The family moved further west of Virden to the Arawana District, where Ruth began school. She spoke of walking there on the first day, at age five, with a pencil and phone book! After completing Grade 9, Ruth worked for many local families, earning $10 a month. Her love of music seemed to be the result of a neighbouring family's kindness. On Sundays, they would stop by the Ogilvies, to collect some of the kids. Then they continued on to Maryfield, SK, to play in a band.

On October 23, 1940, Ruth married Frank George at the manse in Elkhorn. They began farming at the Gilbart Farm (birth of Donald), then the Aikens Farm (birth of twins: Pauline and Paul) and in 1949, the Penrose Farm (birth of Ronald). Side by side, for 35 years, they grain farmed, raised Hereford cattle, and supported the kids in 4-H. Time was also spent carefully landscaping the yard, planting trees and a large garden. Flowers became a special hobby, with Ruth starting plants in her greenhouse, each year. Ruth and Frank participated successfully in the MB Home Grounds Competition. Her passion for flowers never waned, as she was still mindful of flowerpot care this Spring. While the kids attended school at Parkland, Springvale, and then Virden, parent attendance at seasonal events was a must. Ruth regularly attended the Virden Festival and was a faithful member of the Hargrave community, its' Church and UCW Group.

In 1975, Ruth and Frank retired to Virden, but always maintained their thoughts of and ties to the farm. That included check-ins to confirm that all the farm tasks were on schedule, as well as helping out. While living on Seymour Street, they maintained the beautiful yard, volunteered with the Ambulance Service and taught CPR for 17 years. They were members of the Marching Band, with Ruth playing saxophone and Frank, drums. Ruth biked around town with Frank, joined the Horticulture Club, St. Paul's Church UCW, and judged at: horticulture shows, town fairs and Home Grounds competitions. She proudly sang with the Village Choir for 25 years. They ambitiously lived a life of full days, working hard to achieve their standards, yet managing to savour the joy of dances, card parties, and celebrating special occasions.

Frank's passing in 2003, presented significant adjustments. She championed the huge change of moving to a suite in Bolton Place, in 2011. Ruth soon loved her new home and visiting with the people there. Six years later, another move took her to Elkwood Manor. She enjoyed renewing acquaintances from earlier years and engaging with the caring staff.

Ruth was truly a diverse and clever person. She was very sociable, caring of seniors, and adventurous through her years: nightly rides on her ski-doo, attending the grandchildren's various activities, always willing for a plane ride at the farm and enjoying family events, with card and board games. Ruth was a competitor; a win had to be earned. A natural at cooking and baking, who often hosted family, friends, and neighbours. Ruth had a ready sense of humour, for instance, dressing up for Halloween and Hargrave carnivals. She enjoyed travelling a few times to both the west coast and England, plus, once to Texas. Ruth was a person of strong conviction, who willingly shared her opinions. She often said: "What's right is right and what's wrong is wrong." There was no discussion.

Surviving family includes son Donald & Donna: Alana & Clifford Whittle (Brooklyn, Dexter); Sharla George & Dave Challner (Bauer); Dallas & Danielle (Casey, Laney) and Alisha & Tyson Birmingham (Brogan, Burke). Daughter Pauline & James Chapman: Shellanne & Arnold Langlois (Karleigh & Mike Higginbotham: Boeden, Rowen; Connor & Jenna Lamb; Shaelyn & Marcel Tanguay); Shawn & Suzanne (Spencer); Jorganne & Ken McSymach; Del Shayne & Hollie (Codey Henry &Tyson Fabrick: Isaiah, Jacoby; Shayne). Son Paul & Sylvia: Stephen & Johnnica Gushman George (Daniel); Sandra & Kelvin Strandlund (Chad & Alyssa Wingert; Cameron & Paris Wheeler: Kaleb, Kayleigh). Son Ronald & Cindy: Araelya; Carrigan.

Ruth was predeceased by her loving husband, parents, brothers: George & Jean, John, William & Mabel, Harold & Blanche, Kenneth & Gladys and Donald & Betty; sisters: Mary & Bill Paull, and Florence and Peter Drake.

Gratitude is extended to her caregivers and friends for their thoughtful and dedicated support.

A family graveside service honoured Ruth on August 16, 2021. Heartfelt appreciation to Celebrant Joyce Marsh. Many thanks to the staff of Carscaddens Funeral Chapel for their capable guidance and care.

For those who choose, memorial tributes may be kindly submitted to: Elkwood Manor Ladies Auxiliary Remembrance Fund, P.O. Box 172, Elkhorn, MB R0M 0N0.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Virden Empire-Advance from Sep. 22 to Sep. 23, 2021.

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Kelly Angell

May 26, 2022

Sorry for your loss. I remember your mom was a real nice lady. Sorry for your loss. [email protected]

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