Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1930
DIED
2022
Ruth Ratcliffe Obituary
January 13, 1930 - November 6, 2022
Ruth Millie Cecelia passed peacefully holding her husband's hand in the kind care of the Priory. Ruth, 92, recently celebrated 71 years of marriage and is survived by husband Bill; daughters Heather (Michael), Debra (Garry); 6 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Ruth was predeceased by her son Karsten and grandson Jesse.
One freezing morning in January in Springdale, Alberta Ruth was born, so was a calf, its ears frozen off. Growing up in the Dirty 30's on a homestead in rural Alberta, Ruth's daily routine was helping Mom and Dad by carrying water, firewood, feeding animals & milking cows. Chores that never seemed to end. Ruth moved to Kimberly, BC and married Bill and soon it was off to travel the navy life from port to port. Ruth made her home and gardens a haven, working part-time at the post office and at Eaton's with her best friend Orma. Between her gardens and grandchildren she found time to be cook and chief bottle washer sailing on board the Seahawk with Bill and her family as crew. Nana Ruth leaves us with happy memories, a legacy of loyalty, kindness, strong work ethic, friendship and feeling loved.
Celebration of life will be held at 2 pm, Sunday December 18, Metchosin Community House (not hall) at 4430 Happy Valley Rd.
Memories and Condolences
for Ruth Ratcliffe
11 Entries
Heath
January 13, 2023
Happy Birthday Mom ... missing your sparkly Bengtson Blues and loving hugs
The Liens in Norway (Eldar Lien)
December 17, 2022
Karsten was the youngest of the 13 children in the Lien family in Pælida (Norway). He emigrated to Canada and married Gunda. Bill have today 7 cousins in Norway. The strong family bond to the Liens in Canada was maintained through verbal stories, letters and some visits. Travelling to Victoria and staying with Ruth and Bill was like coming home. The cosy atmosphere, the open arms, the warm hugs, good histories and laughter, and not to forget the warm bed where we could sleep like an angel and wake up to breakfast, enjoying this with Ruth and Bill with interesting conversations where the simple words became meaningful and where the ability to listen seemed to be a priority. On the front door was Karsten and Gunda's sign "Liens Den". Ruth took this to a new dimension: "Ruth's nest". Ruth was an incarnation of "the mother". Her open smiling face, always listening and when speaking radiating an internal strength and wisdom. Thank you so much for the few but good times we had together.
Greetings from the Liens in Norway.
Jim and Joy McConnell
December 16, 2022
We will always remember Ruth with love and admiration. Ruth was such a kind and loving soul. Her devotion to her family was so steadfast. Her strength shown when facing life challenges was admirable. We were lucky to have Ruth as our friend and neighbour for so many years. She will be dearly missed.
Jim and Joy
Judi Jensen
December 8, 2022
I will always remember Auntie Ruth as the most kind and loving person. Auntie was so thoughtful and caring. Rest In Peace Judi and Calli
How you can show support
Linda
December 7, 2022
Ruth was the epitome of a kind soul. I remember her on her walks with her husband Bill through Sitting Lady Falls. She always took the time to make you feel like you were special. She was an inspiration for her kind spirit and undeniable sense of humour. My condolences to her family.
Marjorie
December 6, 2022
The MOM of Moms! Ruth was a Mom to all and a Great one. A kind, soft spoken women whom everyone loved.
She always had a kind heart and caring words, always welcoming to all with a great cup of tea and her homebaked goodies. Ruth was my Mother in law but I always considered her as my Mom. She has continued her journey of life while leaving us with so many great memories and will no doubt be looking over us till we rejoin her. RIP Mom, I will miss you.
Sonja Migliarese
December 4, 2022
May God be with you and your family in this time of sorrow.
I thoroughly enjoyed our times together. Ruth was one very Special, kind, loving Soul. We had a special bond. She is singing with the Angels now, with her beautiful voice. RIP Ruth til we meet again. Love to you all.
Debra Ratcliffe
December 4, 2022
I hold my hand out forever more and feel your hand holding mine. We were privileged. Privileged to have spent time immersed in your loving kindness. Privileged for your connection and unwavering love. Mom loved the little things, she could always see the positives and the beauty in everything. Mom loved life, and life loved mom. She inspired us to be kind loving people. She taught us well. Thank you for being there.
You will always be with us, mom.
Ryan and Charlene Burles
November 21, 2022
Sending our condolences during this sad time. Losing a beloved family member is never easy. Our thoughts are with you all.
Joyce Van de Water
November 21, 2022
I have so many fond memories of Ruth, family gatherings, thanksgiving dinner (when I was invited last minute) and fun conversations. You will be missed dear Ruthie.
Joyce & Chris Van de Water
Caroline Ferris
November 19, 2022
Many happy memories of spending time with the Ratcliffe family, Ruth was always kind and welcoming, I will miss her very much
Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results