Ruth GROFF

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GROFF: Ruth Agnes Groff (nee Hyde), November 16, 1928 - June 10, 2009. After a long and full life our mother, grandmother and great grandmother passed away on June 10, 2009 at the age of eighty years. Ruth was predeceased by her husband Gordon on November 22, 1982; father Charles, mother Mary, brothers Harry and William and sisters Helen and Mary. Left to cherish her memory are her children: Karen (Craig), Greg (Bev), Kevin (Deb), Tannis (Ian), grandchildren: Trevor, Erin, Whitney, Christina, Miranda, Courtney, Brittany, Sydney and Rheanna and great granddaughter Anika. Also surviving is her brother John Hyde. Ruth was the youngest of six children. She was born in Elphinstone, Manitoba on November 16, 1928. She settled in Brandon as a young adult where she worked at the United Grill. This is where she met Gordon Louis Groff (employed with CPR). They were married on June 30, 1951 at Central United Church in Brandon. A devoted mother, Ruth enjoyed raising her family of four kids and Dad. She always said she had two good kids and two not so good kids, you figure out who was who. But in the end, they all turned out okay. She was active and involved with St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church from the time when her children were young. She was involved with the board, committees, fall suppers, making and selling pudding and getting her children to Sunday School every Sunday. She was blessed with many friends over the years from church, the East End, trips and from her youth. She always managed to stay close with friends who she just met or the ones she knew fifty years ago. Over the last 20 years, mom travelled to Alaska in a motor home with Ruth Watson and Gert Holder, to Cuba twice with Elsie Czerkawski, many gambling trips to locations east and west and she especially loved her trips to Minneapolis to see the baseball games. Ruth enjoyed her many lunches with friends and especially the Red Hat Ladies. She did love to spoil her children, grandchildren and especially her great granddaughter Anika. She will truly be missed by all who knew her and loved her. Mom taught her children strength, independence, wisdom, courage and compassion which they use constantly in their everyday life. For that we will always be grateful. She made us what we are today. Mom leaves us to carry forward her legacy of everlasting love, hope and endless joy of life. We knew our mom enjoyed her life to the fullest. Although each of us thought we were her favorite, we knew in our hearts she loved us all equally the same. A big thanks to all the nurses and caregivers on the 2nd and 3rd floor of the Assiniboine Centre for all their help, care, support, smiles and laughter. A Celebration of Ruth's Life was held at Memories Chapel in Brandon on Monday June 15, 2009. Private family interment was held at Rosewood Memorial Gardens. Rev. Paul Sakasov of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church officiated. Honorary pallbearers were Rick Chrest, Gary Bell, Terry Parlow, Gerry Kulman and George Norberg.We love you Mom,Your work here is done -Now rest dear Mother, rest.I'M FREEDon't grieve for me,for now I'm freeI'm following the pathGod laid for me.I took His hand when I heard Him callI turned my back andleft it all.I could not stay another dayTo laugh, or love orwork or playTasks left undone muststay that wayI found that place atclose of day.If my parting hasleft a voidThen fill it withremembered joy.A friendship shared,a laugh, a kissAh yes, these things,I too, will miss.Be not burdened withtimes of sorrowI wish you sunshinefor tomorrowMy life's been full,I savored muchGood friends, good times,a loved one's touch.Perhaps my time seemedall too briefDon't lengthen it nowwith undue grief.Lift up your heart andshare with meGod wanted me now,He sets me free.For those so desiring, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society,193 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 9Z9. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements are with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330. Those we hold most dear never truly leave us, they live on in the kindnessthey showed, the comfort they shared and the love they brought into our lives. That was our mom, we will truly miss her.

As published in Brandon Sun on Jun 27, 2009