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EVA RUTH MITCHELL
Date of Passing: May 02, 2012
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryEVA RUTH MITCHELL Eva Ruth Mitchell (Ruth Strang, Ruth Browne) passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 2, 2012, at the age of 76. She was indomitable. She was Daddy's girl, big sister, devoted mother, matriarch, good friend and colleague, and bitchin' grandmother. Family cherishing her memory are her husband Alec Cruickshank; sisters Lynne Mitchell (Arnie Pedersen), and Francie Brownlee (David), brother Ron Mitchell (Mary); children Shawna Kynoch (Daryl), Kent Strang, David Strang (Kristel van Ineveld), and Bruce Strang (Nancy Hennen); stepchildren Gerry Browne (Jane Steeves), Leslie Carey (John), and Rob Browne (Laura Phillips), John Cruickshank (Lonni), Sandra Cruickshank, and Isobel Anderson; and grandchildren Ian, Tim, and Meghan Kynoch, Mitchell van Ineveld, Sean and Marc Strang, Brianna, Christopher, and Emily Carey, Christina Decock (Evan) and Catherine Pastuck (Chris), James Belmore, and Luke Cruickshank and Fiona Anderson, great-grandchildren Anna and Alyssa, many nieces and nephews, and many friends like Bob Lucey adopted into the family. She was intensely proud of her family, as they are of her. Ruth had a full life. She had to grow up early, as her father Alex served in the Canadian forces during the Second World War and suffered a serious heart attack in 1948. He passed away when Ruth was only 15. In 1953, she was the second woman from the town of Carberry to attend Brandon College, scandalizing those who wanted her to keep to her station and work as a telephone operator. She graduated with a Bachelor of Pedagogy in 1957, and taught in Shoal Lake and Crystal City before leaving teaching for a time to raise her family. She returned to teaching junior high math in Winnipeg in 1968. She was one of a group of visionary feminists, including Bev Goodwin, Jean Carson, Bernice Sisler, Zöe Budd, Win Loewen, and June Menzies, who lobbied the provincial government leading to progressive reforms in Family Law during the 1970s. Her work career spanned diverse occupations - teacher, accountant, Executive Director of the Manitoba Advisory Council on the Status of Women, Director of the Policy Unit of the Manitoba Women's Directorate, Bed Breakfast proprietor - but her real love was family and friends. She was a legendary cook, and loved to try new dishes and entertain. She could put on dinners for dozens at the drop of a hat. She enjoyed hosting parties, especially the extended family's Christmas Eve celebration, with tortière, Away in a Manger, and reading the Christmas story, followed by hours of singing carols around the piano. She instilled a love of education in her children and gave them the gift of music too. She loved travel, visiting England, France, and Italy many times in company with her mother, sisters, children, and friends; she was a great travelling companion, loving to walk, taking a pint when necessary, and learning new cuisines. She was an accomplished seamstress, sewing the family's clothes for many years. After her retirement, she took up quilting and scrapbooking, creating treasured heirlooms and family memories. She did the New York Times Sunday Crossword, often in pen. She inspired those who knew her to pursue life with passion. She worked hard, very hard, and sacrificed gladly for her children. She defied conventions, and sometimes challenged authority. She did not suffer fools gladly, but she loved fully and forgave those she loved their failings. She made great cookies, and baked the world's best pies. The family would like to give special thanks to Victoria General Hospital staff for their care and compassion. The memorial service will be held on Tuesday, May 8, 2012, at 2:00 p.m. at Trinity United Church, 933 Summerside Ave., Winnipeg. Private interment will occur later in Carberry. In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome donations in Ruth Mitchell's memory to the Sean Alexander Hennen Strang Fund to advance teaching and learning in providing health care to adults with developmental disabilities, c/o Queen's University, 102 Barrie Street, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, or by calling 1-800-267-7837, extension 78422. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE (204) 949-2200 www.nbardal.mb.ca
Publish Date: May 5, 2012
EVA RUTH MITCHELL On Wednesday, May 2, 2012, Ruth Mitchell passed away at the age of 76 years. Arrangements are pending. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE (204) 949-2200 www.nbardal.mb.ca
Publish Date: May 4, 2012
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 05, 2012
Condolences & Memories (11 entries)
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I am presently researching the surname Mitchell, as it is very prevalent in my family tree. Would you happen to have any info on her ancesters? - Posted by: Maureen Smith (Perhaps in Family tree) on: May 20, 2012
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To Kent and Family, We would like to express our deepest condolences for the lost of your lovely mother Ruth. She was an inspirational woman and a trend setter. We hope that through your healing, Ruth’s light shines bright and encourages people to continue moving towards their highest potential. Much love, Dave and Josy - Posted by: David and Josy Jamieson (Friend) on: May 08, 2012
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I have known Ruth since she was a young girl living in Carberry. I was at her wedding to George Strang (one of my best friends during high school. I knew all their kids from infancy. My condolences go out to all the family but especially to Shawna, Kent, Bruce, and David who will miss their Mom very greatly. She was passionate in her love for her family. I also extend my condolences to Alec, whom I have recently met during a family gathering at the Narrows near Dauphin. - Posted by: Ken Biccum (family member and friend) on: May 07, 2012
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While you mourn: be assured that you are truly blessed, for this talented woman's memory will forever remain with you... in every recipe she baked, each piece of music she played, the many flowers she grew and the treasured quilts she stitched - all will keep her memory alive as you come to accept the loss of her earthly presence. Our sincere condolences go to all in Ruth's family. - Posted by: Helen & Tara Christie (Aquaintances of Ron & Mary Mitchell and family) on: May 07, 2012
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Sorry for your loss, Strang and Browne kids. Wish I could be there to see all the cousins and step-cousins. - Posted by: Tom Ayers, Sydney NS () on: May 07, 2012
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My dear sweet Ruth, I will miss you dearly, gardening would not be the same without seeing you around. I will miss your chat, your laugh but above all tour big heart. Sorry I cannot be with you tomorrow. Love, Cristina - Posted by: cristina ionescu (friend) on: May 07, 2012
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Shawna, Kent, David & Bruce, Our Thoughts are with you in the Loss of your Mother. It is never easy when that special Lady is gone but know that she will always be near by as you walk through life in the many memories you have of her. Our loved ones never truly leave us They live on in the kindness they showed. The comfort they shared, and the love they brought into our lives. Our Sympathy to all of you, Mildred & Lorne Parker - Posted by: Mildred & Lorne Parker (cousin) on: May 05, 2012
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Ruth's life story is inspiring. She sounds like she was an amazing person. I am very sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Therese Koturbash (Friend) on: May 05, 2012
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Ruth was more then the absolute bestest Mother-in-law. She was a friend she took such good care of my Gerry when he, Leslie & Rob needed her most & she continued to do just that as they grew. They may have not been born under her heart but they were sure in it & she added all of us extra people as well only making us feel like family too. I'll always remember her leading her flock of sister's, brother, children, stepchildren (who never felt like step children), many grandchildren, nieces, nephews & many friends to the piano @ all the family functions to sing songs many of them original amazing compositions. It was always a fun festive occasion when Ruth was around. She was always there for anyone to lend a sympathetic ear as well. She not only listened well, she gave amazing advice that we will all miss. She raised 4 amazing kids that are now raising amazing kids of their own & 3 amazing stepkids that are so proud of their brood as well, all because of Ruth. She will be truly missed. I see her with her Mom leading the band up there & she has a smile on her face. We'll miss you Ruth. guidance - Posted by: Jayne Steeves (Step Daughter In Law) on: May 05, 2012
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Auntie Ruth was a truly great woman. She will be missed. - Posted by: Bill Ayers (step nephew) on: May 05, 2012
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Ruth was such a wonderful lady and it was a great joy to work with her before she retired. The world is a poorer place with her gone and we will all miss our "Ruthie"! - Posted by: Heather Sheardown (Co-worker/friend) on: May 04, 2012
