WINCHESTER, RUTH MARION (nee WEST)
passed away peacefully at Grove Park Home, in Barrie, in the early hours of February 13, 2011. Ruth was born May 12, 1922 in her parent’s bed at their home on Alcina Ave, Toronto. George and Edna West raised Ruth next door to her Grandmother, Clara Wall. She met the love of her life on the tennis court and married John Winchester June 8, 1946. Together, they celebrated 64 happy and loving years. Ruth worked at Kodak during the war years but retired early to raise her two children Scott (Margaret) and Joan. She was blessed with 5 grandchildren Andrew (Emily), Rodney (Andrea), Pamela (Art) Mac Neil, Gordon and Ken Grise. She adored her great grandson Alexander Mac Neil born August 2010.Ruth was a stay at home Mom, always there at lunch with a bowl of soup and a sandwich for her children. She was a long time volunteer at the RVH gift shop with her late friend Millie Yates. Mom played badminton, tennis, golf and bridge. She swam, cross country skied and hiked all the trails in Algonquin Park with John. Ruth was an avid birdwatcher, a beautiful knitter and loved creating flower gardens. She is now free to do it all over again. She and John lived most of their married life in Barrie but spent 10 years in Huntsville at Echo Valley Resort where they made many great friends over coffee, campfires and cards. Ruth was predeceased by her parents, her brother George and his wife Marjorie. She is fondly remembered as a quiet gentle woman by her many friends and family. Thanks to all who visited Mom and Dad at Grove Park Home especially her sister in law Jean Crawford. Her family would like to thank the staff of Grove Park Home for their kind and dedicated care as her health declined.
TO GATHER, TO GRIEVE, TO CELEBRATE, TO PRAISE, TO LOVE!
A celebration of Ruth’s / Mom’s / Grama’s life will be held at Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Home, 30 Worsley St, Barrie, on Monday, August 15. Visitation at 10:00am, Service at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Grove Park Home, Hospice Huntsville or your favourite charity. Condolences may be forwarded through www.steckleygooderham.com