November 27th, 1930 - June 14th, 2023
Passed away peacefully at River Glen Haven Long Term Care with family by her side holding her hand on Wednesday, June 14th in her 93rd year after a long and courageous journey with Alzheimer’s.
Ruth was predeceased by the love of her life, Gordon Cecil James Fenn, to whom she was married for 70 years. Predeceased by her son David and first grandchild Lanette Whitmore.
She leaves behind her three daughters, Patricia (Joe) Whitmore, Barbara (Paul) Watts, and Donna (the late Patrick) McCarthy. She was a cherished grandmother of seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
Ruth was born on Thursday, November 27th, 1930 in Galt, Ontario to parents Arthur and Myrtle Cropp (nee Dennis). Ruth graduated grade 12 in Burlington, Ontario. She worked as a switchboard operator at Bell Canada, administrator at McLeans Publishing, and bank teller at the Royal Bank of Canada, turning down the first female managerial position offered in the bank to raise her family. She then worked as an administrator at Galt Women’s Correctional Facility. Later she moved on to become a bookkeeper for personal family business for many years, however , she eventually pursued her true calling, as a professional homemaker.
Her special skills were diverse and unlimited, including baking, seamstress, crocheting, and knitting. She loved to put her skills to the test and made sure that every single family member had their own customized crocheted tablecloth, each requiring over a year of love and labour to hand-make. She spent much of her time crocheting and knitting little bonnets and booties for donation to the newborn babies at Southlake Regional Health Centre (York County Hospital). She also spent her time providing loving care for neighbours’ children, while raising her three girls.
Ruth and Gordon cherished their many years of marriage together. They were both avid campers as well as travellers. They had a winter residence in Florida for 20 years, where they enjoyed square dancing, walking, social activities and eating at buffets. They also played in a Western band in Florida for various functions and also at various Long Term Care facilities in Ontario. Ruth played the keyboard, Gordon played the banjo, harmonica and guitar.
Ruth and Gordon volunteered throughout their lifetime for various camping and RV associations. They participated as members, as well as Ruth holding various positions, including president, secretary, treasurer).
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and love to River Glen Haven Long Term Care; her “Angels of Mercy”, where the staff adored her, and she had created quite a legacy for herself over her five year tenure.
As per Ruth’s wishes, a private family service will take place, with interment at Newmarket Cemetery. Click here to watch the livestream.
If desired, memorial donations may be made to causes close to Ruth’s heart, such as the Alzheimer’s Society, Heart and Stroke Foundation, River Glen Haven Long Term Care or the charity of your choice.
https://www.heartandstroke.ca/
https://alzheimer.ca/york/en /
Arrangements entrusted to Roadhouse & Rose Funeral Home