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RUTH EDITH MILLS
Born: May 12, 1936
Date of Passing: Aug 01, 2026
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RUTH EDITH MILLS
Surrounded by her family, Ruth peacefully went home to be with the Lord on August 1, 2026, following a brief illness.
Born in Sclater, MB, Ruth was deeply proud of her farming roots and carried the values of hard work, resilience, and community with her throughout her life. She completed her early education in Sclater and move to Winnipeg to attend St. James Collegiate. In 1958, she met the love of her life, Tom. They married two years later and shared over 61 years of devoted partnership, building a life centered on faith, family, and love.
Ruth began her working career as a telephone operator with MTS and later as a Unit Clerk in the Medical Intensive Care Unit at Health Sciences Centre. Yet, when asked what she did for a living, Ruth would proudly reply that she was a "Domestic Engineer." It was a title she wore with both humour and conviction, reflecting a lifelong vocation of caring for others.
Her greatest joy was her family. Ruth dedicated herself wholeheartedly to raising her children and was a constant, loving presence in the lives of her grandchildren and later her great-grandchildren. She had a remarkable gift for bringing people together, whether through large family gatherings, holiday meals, or community events. No one ever left her table hungry.
A woman of tremendous energy and commitment, Ruth devoted countless hours to the organizations and communities she cared about, including CGIT, UCW, and amateur radio groups. She was known for her exceptional organizational skills, strong work ethic, and natural leadership. Ruth had a unique ability to keep projects moving, families connected, and ensuring her family was kept in line.
Ruth leaves behind a loving family who will cherish her memory: her daughters, Wendy (Jim) and Judy (Tim); grandchildren, Christa (Damon), Jason (Kate), Darryl (Chantelle), Daniel (Kate), Hillary (Craig), Aydan, Brandt, and Lauren; sister, Judy (Patrick); her brother, Dennis (Donna); 14 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Tom (2020) and son Ken (2014).
Ruth's love, faith, strength, and unwavering devotion to family and friends will remain a lasting legacy in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, September 25, 2026, at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. Interment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ruth's memory may be made to the Fire Fighters Burn Fund or CancerCare Manitoba.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 19, 2026
Condolences & Memories (7 entries)
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Sincere condolences to Judy, Wendy Dennis and extended families. We always had a great conversation about Pune River when we met. She will be missed by everyone who knew her, sending prayers 🙏 Sonya Gingras - Posted by: Sonya (Friends) on: Sep 30, 2026
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Ruth, and Tom were two of the finest people I ever met. They were instrumental in running Winnipeg Amateur Radio Club and Winnipeg Senior Citizens Radio Club. Ruth's bunwiches were the food favourite at the Flea Markets for years. They will be missed! - Posted by: Dick Maguire (Friend) on: Sep 26, 2026
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Every childhood memory I have of Ruth and the Mills family is a happy one. I feel very fortunate to have those wonderful memories and will always cherish them. My heartfelt condolences to Wendy, Judy, and the entire Mills family during this difficult time. Tom Morton - Posted by: Tom Morton (Friend) on: Sep 21, 2026
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Judy, Wendy and family …..I am very sad to know of Ruth’s passing. I have so many fond memories of her, but one that totally supersedes them all. Donna and Dennis’s 25th. Your mom and I were a team in the kitchen. She brought a bottle of Butter Ripple Schnaps and a ton of jokes! Honestly, I cannot tell you what food item we were in charge of… but we completed our task and emptied a large bottle of butter ripple. She was adamant it was just for the 2 of us to share…. And we did! By the end, we were bottle sipping! I had such a great afternoon with her! She was a lovely woman and I know her love and wisdom will be passed down through you both and your families. My condolences to the entire family. Kenny and Tom, Baba Rosie are all rejoicing - Posted by: Debbie Johnson (Yarotski) (Family) on: Sep 19, 2026
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Cheers to an outstanding lady A life well lived! Exceptional individual, such great value’s personality and integrity! So kind and always helpful and smiling! loved her dearly! Ruth would go out of her way to please anyone with food, accommodation and just lots of hugs ! A soul that is now in Heaven with All her family and friends! Certainly be missed by everyone Till we all meet again! - Posted by: Nadia and Don Spikula (Friend) on: Sep 19, 2026
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Mills family, so sorry to hear of your loss of Dear Ruthie! Ruth and Tom were always part of the conversations in our house growing up and through my parents retirement years. Our Mom Joan always had a warm heart and kindred love for Ruth and her generosity and kindness. Joan and Marv always enjoyed the many Firefighter Dinners with their little group get togethers. Your Mom will be truly missed. - Posted by: Lauran Nimchuk (Huff) (Family Friend) on: Sep 19, 2026
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I met Ruth through Tommy. I worked with and for Tommy on the Winnipeg Fire Department. I talked to her, before and after Tommy left, on the radio. I also worked with Kenny. She was a very nice lady and a real asset to the amateur radio community. She will be missed. My condolences to her family. - Posted by: Scott Miner (Friend) on: Sep 19, 2026