DOROTHY RUTH MATHESON

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DOROTHY RUTH MATHESON Courageously, as she had faced a two-decade struggle with Parkinsons disease, Ruth made her long last journey which came to its end on December 5, 1999 at Golden West Centennial Lodge, Winnipeg. The eldest child of Alexander S. and Lila Matheson, Ruth was born on the family farm at Stonewall, Man. on July 6, 1911. Precocious beyond her years, she completed her elementary grades at Tecumseh rural school and went on to graduate from Stonewall High School (Grade XI) at the age of 13. When the high school became Stonewall Collegiate Institute she was in the first class of Grade XII students, and following graduation, attended Winnipeg Normal School where she took the training which prepared her for her life work. From her first teaching experience in Eriksdale, Man., Ruth moved on to responsibilities at Highland Glen School, Stonewall Elementary, and then to several schools in Winnipeg School Division No. I. Gifted, and with creative ideas, Ruth was one of two teachers first selected to teach Major Work classes for children of outstanding ability. Her career as an educator culminated in principalships at several schools where her leadership was highly esteemed by staff and students alike. Ruth earned both B.A. and B. Ed. degrees entirely through home study and evening and summer school courses while still maintaining excellence in regular classroom teaching. She was also deeply involved in Teacher Exchange organization, and in U of M sororities. In addition to her many gifts on behalf of education, Ruth has always served her church with commitment and dedication - in her early years at Grassmere United Church (Stonewall), later at Young U.C., Winnipeg, where she led C.G.I.T. and directed summer camps, and finally at Fort Garry U.C. where she taught Sunday School, served on several committees, was Chair of the Official Board, and was representative to Winnipeg Presbytery. Ruth was an inveterate traveller, beginning as an exchange teacher in England in the 50s and later exploring every continent but South America with her beloved friend and fellow teacher-principal, Jean Mitchell. The two friends "did the world", making many friends with whom they kept regular contact. A special spot in their lives was their cottage at Gull Lake, Man., where they delighted in entertaining guests from home and abroad, and where, for many years, they annually arranged a "freedom party" for teacher cohorts retiring from Winnipeg schools. Predeceased by her parents; brothers, Ross and Alex and sister-in-law Mildred and brother-in-law Ken Sisson, Ruth leaves to be grateful for her life; sisters, Jean at Golden West Centennial lodge, Helen Sisson and Mona Rutherford, and brother-in-law Bob Rutherford, all of Winnipeg. As well she leaves many nieces and nephews with happy memories of fun holidays, music lessons, special surprises, and generous gifts, quietly and unobtrusively given by a caring Aunt Ruth. A memorial service of thanksgiving for Ruths life will be held at Fort Garry United Church, Point Road, at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, December 9. Flowers gratefully declined. Those wishing to do so may remember Ruth through a gift to a charity of their choice. Heartfelt thanks to staff at Golden West Centennial Lodge for their ministry of patience, good humour and tender loving care. Thomson Funeral Chapels in charge of cremation. Interment at Grassmere U.C. Cemetery, following service and reception. "The teacher is indeed wise who does not bid you enter the house of her wisdom, but rather leads you to the threshold of your own mind." In this matter did Ruth enrich the lives of hundreds.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 07, 1999