BILLIE RUTHERFORD

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

BILLIE RUTHERFORD Our Guiding Light 96 Years of Sparkle I would like to thank so many special people for their love and support during my blessed life. To my late parents Kathleen and William who helped me to grow in wisdom and understanding, so many opportunities were provided. To my three sisters- Nancy and Betty that have gone before me and to Joy and to many nieces and nephews. To my special niece and friend Roz, for the many happy times we shared. To the love of my life, Owen, who went before me and has been waiting oh so patiently for me to join him. To my wonderful family- My special son Jack, with whom I spent many hours playing games and doing crosswords with, and his wonderful wife Pat, a true gem of kindness in my life and their children, Jasmine, Chris and Jeff, who made me a special part of their lives even though miles separated us. To my dear daughter Barb, and my doting son-in-law Brian. Every evening I looked forward to my Barby-jo's calls so we could have our daily catch up. My scenic drives with Brian lifted my spirits and I treasured our time spent cruising and catching up. Their children, Erin and Kellee- so lucky to have our Saturday night sleepovers while they were growing up. I was blessed that Kellee, Chris and my treasure, Malachy Joe chose to make their home in Winnipeg to be close to me. The highlight of my week was our Sunday outings together. All of my family's love and support have touched me in a way hard to describe. Thank you to my many friends in Guiding and the Trefoil Guild, the St. James United Church, and the UCW. You have been an integral part of my life. Thank you for the people of the Metropolitan Kiwanis Court, especially to Cora and Laverne and the care extended to me by my many homecare workers. To Linda C and the bridge girls that have shared many hours of cards and caring. Special thanks to the Air Canada concierge- Sarah and Janice, John, Conrad and Glen- you gave me wings to fly. To Tony and Brett for giving me the freedom of wheels until I was 95. Oh how I loved to hear Boot it Gram . To Dave and Diane and Little Carol, and too many others to write- thank you all for your many visits and phone calls. You are all so very special to me. Thank you to Joan, for being a dear friend and part of our family over the years. Thank you to Val and Andrew who always took time for a game of bananagrams when they visited from afar. And to Tara, Frank and baby Ellena for including me in your joy. Please don't be sad because I am gone, smile because I was here. Cherish our special memories, they will ensure our love lives forever. My service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 22 at Silver Heights United Church, 199 Garrioch Ave. Rev. Pat Wotton officiating. Lunch will be served following the celebration of my life. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Girl Guides of Canada at www.girlguides.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 21, 2011