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RUTH FLORENCE KIRKWOOD (GRAHAM)
Date of Passing: Mar 25, 2022
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RUTH FLORENCE KIRKWOOD
(GRAHAM)
It is with great sadness and beautiful memories that we remember our Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, veteran and wonderful community member, Ruth Florence Kirkwood. She left us last week on Wednesday, March 25, 2022 at the age of 100.
She was predeceased by Robert and Annie Graham (parents), her ex-husbands, daughter Loni Alcorn, son-in-law Robert Curran, daughter-in-law Vivian Watson and her beautiful granddaughter Ellory Kirkwood.
She leaves behind her remaining children, Shirley (Charlie) Medd, Melville Kirkwood and Robert Alcorn; her grandchildren, Robert Curran, Richard Curran (Dawn Smith), Leslie Drewitz (Scott), Sam Medd, Colleen Medd, Dempsey Kirkwood (Tina) and Mac Kirkwood, and her great-grandchildren, Roxie Drewitz, Dex Drewitz, Robert Curran, Emma Curran and Kitson (Kitchen) Kirkwood.
Ruth was born on a homestead in Bigger, Saskatchewan. She left Saskatchewan to join the Canadian Air Force and was stationed in Vancouver, BC while serving in the Second World War. After the war she met and married James Ralph Alcorn and moved to Flin Flon where they lived with their three children, Shirley, Bob and Loni. Ruth later then met and married Carmen Kirkwood and moved to Snow Lake where they welcomed their son Melville and raised the family.
The Canadian Armed Forces and serving her country remained important to her and she seemed to have found her identity and community through this experience as she continued to be an active member in the community through her lifelong membership in both the ANAF and Legion, literally serving folks by bartending, facilitating bingos, shuffleboard tournaments and volunteering as treasurer. She was a member and employee in the Flin Flon and Snow Lake Legions, and then in Winnipeg, where she moved after her children were grown, so she could be closer to them and their children.
Ruth is remembered for her love of music, dancing and travel. Meeting new folks and learning their stories, the more adventurous the better. Playing the spoons at a country concert as an audience member. Creating the most memorable times by upping the vibe of the evening with her dancing and endless humour. She is also remembered proudly as a fantastic shuffleboard champion and loving and patient teacher of the game as well as an impromptu line-dancing instructor at Christmas for her grandchildren.
Our fierce and beautiful matriarch wished to not be sadly missed, but to be celebrated for her dancing and her love for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a proud grandmother who was often witnessed telling some story of one of their great achievements with her perfect smirk and sparkling eyes.
You will be missed, but with happiness and longing to keep your wonderfully bright and bold spirit alive.
"I got a hot rod Ford and a two dollar bill
And I know a spot right over the hill
There's soda pop and the dancing's free
So if you wanna have fun,
come along with me"
- Hank Williams
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 04, 2022
Condolences & Memories (6 entries)
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What a amazing life she led. Remember her well. Condolences to all Family and friends. - Posted by: Bryce Schellenberg (Neighbor) on: Jun 14, 2022
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Shirley, Bob and Mel Thoughts going out to you all. I remember your mother very well as she and my mother were friends both belong to the Legion and from the curling rink. She lived a good long time And I’m sure that you have lots of memories to go with them. All the best to all of you cheers Glynis - Posted by: Glynis Bitzer-Farr ( friend) on: Jun 09, 2022
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Dear Shirley, Bob and Mellie I am deeply saddened to hear my dear friend Ruth has left us. We had such good times together - too numerous to write of here; and lots of laughs and visits. Sincere sympathy to all of you. - Posted by: Dolyce Brown (Grimmelt) (Friend) on: Jun 07, 2022
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Wow what a long life. Ruth was a very important part of my growing up and Mother of my close school friend Loni. I spent so much time at their home in my teenage years. My sympathy to Bobby, Mel, and Charlie. - Posted by: Margie Harris (Friend of family) on: Jun 06, 2022
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Hi family Was just talking about her the other day and wondered how she was...I loved her wit ...her love...and her support while I worked at the Arms. She was someone I loved to see and looked forward to it daily. As I met the family I realized the input she had in their lives and what a REAL character she was! I am proud and honored to have known her and to have served her! I am proud of the woman she was! She lived a long and wonderful life and I was glad to have known her! Hi to all of you Bonnie Tholl - Posted by: Bonnie Tholl (friend ) on: Jun 05, 2022
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I wish to convey my deepest condolences to Ruth’s family. Mrs. Kirkwood was such a kind, lovely lady who was full of life and a “going concern” who will be greatly missed. Big hug. - Posted by: Donna Kolbuck-Street (Friend of Loni ) on: Jun 04, 2022