RUTH HELENE KEITEL

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RUTH HELENE KEITEL (née KLEINER) Ruth Keitel died peacefully on Saturday, November 21, 2015 in the Central Okanagan Hospice at the age of 94. Born February 24, 1921 in Edenwold, SK, Ruth lived the majority of her adult life in Winnipeg, MB, then later in Calgary, AB and finally in Kelowna BC, always to be near her beloved family. Ruth was predeceased by her cherished husband, the Rev. Kurt Keitel (1988), and her brothers, Dr. John Kleiner (2004) and Rev. Herb Kleiner (2006). To mourn her loss, she leaves her devoted daughter, Dr. Joyce O'Mahony (Noel) of Kelowna; her loving sons, Tom Keitel (Mary) of Kelowna, and Robert Keitel of Calgary, her dear sister, Geri Wiemken of Calgary and her sister-in-law, Rev. Heather Kleiner of Saskatoon. Ruth will be greatly missed by her grandchildren, Kerstin Keitel, Morgan Dachenhaus (Chaz), Patrick O'Mahony, Ruth Medrano (Luis), Eileen O'Mahony and Stephanie Oldford. Her dear friend of 70 years, Erica Delaire, will also feel the loss, as will her remaining Trinity Church friends and numerous relatives. Ruth was raised in rural Saskatchewan, Edmonton, Winnipeg and Saskatoon until she left home at age 20 to pursue her dream of a career in nursing, graduating from St. Paul's Hospital School of Nursing in 1944. Ruth married the Reverend Kurt Keitel in September 1949 and they served the Lutheran Church in Hay Lakes, AB and Edmonton, before making their final move to Winnipeg where they served Trinity Lutheran Church for 25 years. Although Ruth was a wonderful "pastor's wife", who was very involved in the life of the church, she also managed to maintain her career and raise three fine children. An accomplished nurse and business manager of Coles Nursing Home in Winnipeg, Ruth was grateful for their early retirement so that she and Kurt could travel, which they did for several years before Kurt died suddenly at age 63. Photographs from their travels abroad and winters spent together in Hawaii brought her many pleasurable memories over the years. Ruth kept a marvelous ornamental shoe collection, which started with a glass slipper given to her by her father when she left home. In her senior years, she took painting lessons and created several lovely pieces of art. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy. She enthusiastically attended their school, sporting and musical events. She was never idle, always knitting, doing jigsaw puzzles, reading, baking or cooking. Well-read and informed, dignified, witty, stylish and forever young at heart, Ruth will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her. Cremation and a private interment service will take place prior to the memorial service. Ruth's memorial service will be held at Messiah Lutheran Church, 400 Rouge Road, Winnipeg, MB, 2:00 p.m., Saturday, December 5, 2015. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations may be made to Canadian Lutheran World Relief, www.clwr.org/ Condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.hansonsfuneral.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 28, 2015