RUTH MARIE HAMBLEY

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RUTH MARIE HAMBLEY Ruth Marie Hambley was born in Tonica, IL, May 18, 1902, first of four children of Maurice and Rosella Pringle, both school teachers. Ruth resided in Manitoba for 100 years enjoying life in Dugald, Mather Killarney, Portage La Prairie and Swan Lake. She took Normal School and went to teach at Norquay School near Swan Lake where she met Jack Hambley, a young farmer and married Jack, January 12, 1924. They raised three children, Bruce who died December 1995, Marion of Ottawa and Bryan of White Rock, BC, Jack died August 30, 1964. Their home in Winnipeg is still affectionately known as 1469 or the house . Named the best grandmothers' house by her much loved grandchildren. Although Ruth did not have any grandparents she was the best Gramma you could ever have and built a lasting and unique relationship from 1952 on when her first grandchild Janet entered her life, often telling of her 9 grands and 9 greats. November 18, 2005 West Jet announced we have a very special lady on board, she is 103 1/2 years old and is going to stay with her daughter Marion and her husband Phil Campbell. Everyone clapped. We took her out of Middlechurch Care Home of Winnipeg. For 83 days it was a joy for daughter Marion and family to engulf Ruth in the love of God on behalf of all of Ruth's many family and friends. Ruth enjoyed a wonderful Christmas day at the home of Gail, third of her nine grandchildren. She asked for seconds of the Christmas turkey dinner and the special fruit cake. The turkey and fruit cake were by tradition prepared by Phil. While in Civic Hospital from January 13th, some pneumonia and chest infections were found to be the reason for her not feeling well. Ruth was quietly reviewing her long satisfying life for the days between January 19 and January 25th at 2:00 a.m. and decided this is no way to live life. I cannot go on living like this. Oxygen by nose, i.v. in the arm and catheter gave her no zest for life. She prevoted Liberal for the January 23rd election and heard the bad news on the 24th and closed her eyes in disgust. At 9:30 p.m. she bade Marion goodnight, saying, you and Phil need your rest, now you better go home and get to bed, Marion. I'll see you in the morning as she waved her little left hand in dismissal. Marion obeyed. Mom did it her way. As our son, Ian said It is the end of an era. There was a committal service at Kelly's Funeral Home in Ottawa for all of her Ottawa friends on January 26. Cremation has taken place. For friends and relatives in Winnipeg, you are all invited and welcome to join Ruth's family on February 14 at 5:30 p.m. at Summerland Apartments, 77 University Cres. for a formal gathering in the Senior Room, Main Floor, a supper and evening to celebrate Ruth's life where she lived for 32 years. Ruth enjoyed talking books for many years and favoured CNIB as a charity. Private family interment will happen at a later date.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 11, 2006