RUTH ELIZABETH FERGUSON DIEHL

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RUTH ELIZABETH FERGUSON DIEHL Ruth passed away peacefully July 8, 2003, at St. Boniface Hospital. Mom was born and raised on a homestead near Rocanville, SK where a prairie farming life instilled independence, self-reliance and a strong work ethic. After graduating from Hillburn Districts one room school house she moved to Winnipeg to pursue a career in nursing. Upon graduating in 1944 Ruth "took charge" of the operating room at Grace Hospital for several years - a position which she enjoyed immensely. It was during her training and practice at Grace Hospital that she met and married Dr. Garth Ross Diehl in 1947. While family was the central focus of Moms life, her boundless energy found expression volunteering in a wide range of service oriented activities and organizations: (a founding member of) Oxford United Church, the Church Home for Unwed Mothers, McKinnon Guild (Nearly New Shop) and the Grace Hospital Alumni prominent amongst them. Throughout her life, Ruth was a generous supporter of numerous charities and during recent years became increasingly devoted to environmental causes. Mom had a passion for working with her hands whether in fabric or in the kitchen. She created treasured articles of needlework, quilting and braided rugs and was a renowned cook who elevated baking to an art. Mom loved to cook and try new recipes - just about the only things she wouldnt try in the kitchen were such new-fangled gadgets as the microwave. Ruth was our matriarch - the keeper of family histories, traditions, and secret recipes. Moms love of tradition is best exemplified by her dedicated celebration of Christmas - a season which, to her, meant the gathering together of family and friends to take time to appreciate the blessings life had bestowed upon us and pray for all those less fortunate. Mom was an avid card player whose idea of a grand time was to dragoon family and friends into one card game or another - fortunately for us all she was able to satisfy her more competitive urges amongst the like minded company she enjoyed for almost half a century in her beloved Bridge Club. Ruth was predeceased by her husband Garth and is survived by her children, Shawn Aylsworth, Kevin Ferguson and Garcea Ann; her sisters, Mary and Sarah and is lovingly remembered by nieces, nephews, family and relatives - Bob, Lynda, Wayne, Greg, Kay, Rodney, Spencer, Heather, Ken, Margaret, George, Norman, Muriel, Ryan, Garth, Mark, Eric, Karen and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews. Ruth possessed an indomitable will tempered by a profound sense of what was good and true - formidable and at times intimidating, the strength of her character was built upon a foundation of love and compassion - a foundation made all the more evident by its absence. Special thanks to friends, Grace, Virginia and Marion and to the kind and caring staff at 4B Orthopedics, St. Boniface Hospital for their heartfelt support. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to do so may make a donation in Ruths memory to the Misericordia Health Centre Foundation, 99 Cornish Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R3C 1A2 or to the David Suzuki Foundation, 2111 West 4th, Ave., Suite 219, Vancouver, BC V6K 4S2. Services will be held Saturday, July 12 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Andrews United Church (the corner of Kingsway and Oak) and conducted by very dear friend the Rev. Bob Haverluck. THOMSON Funeral Chapels - 669 Broadway - 783-7211

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 12, 2003