RUTH SUSAN LORRAINE WINKLER (DOERN)

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RUTH SUSAN LORRAINE WINKLER (nee DOERN) After a life well lived, Ruth Winkler died on January 13, 2005 at the Charleswood Care Centre at the age of 95. Ruth was predeceased by her husband Howard in 1970. She was also predeceased by her parents Katarina and Philip Doern and her 13 siblings, Jacob, John, Phillip, Henry, Katherine Kendall, Mary, Sophia Steppler, Wilhelmine Johnson, Godfrey, William, George, Caroline Flewin and Renata Wilde. Her death marks the end of a generation of the Doern family. Left to cherish her memory are her brother-in-law, Norman Wilde, several generations of nieces and nephews, and friends of all ages. Ruth was born on June 23, 1909 in Morden, MB. After completing Grade 12, she attended Success Business College, and worked for several years in Morden for Judge George, and at the Dominion Experimental Farm. In 1934, she attended the University of Toronto and graduated from the School of Social Work. During the depression she worked for the Regina Family Bureau. During the war years she worked for the Children's Aid Society in Portage la Prairie and later in Winnipeg. She was honoured with a lifetime membership in the society in 1971. In 1949, with the Department of Veterans Affairs, she was sent to Newfoundland to help set up veterans, services for Canada's newest province. She was named as one of twelve Winnipeg Women of the Year in 1950 for that work. In 1952, she was loaned to the Canadian Red Cross Society and went to Japan and Korea as head of a team that arranged hospital and recreational services for the Canadian troops in the Korean War. In 1954, Ruth married Howard W. Winkler, who had been the Liberal Member of Parliament for Lisgar from 1935 to 1953. They spent 16 happy years together in Morden, taking an active role in the community and enjoying extensive travel. Ruth was a strong advocate for the town of Morden, where, amongst her many projects, she lobbied diligently to have the sidewalks upgraded. She was active in establishing English classes for new immigrants, the Morden Thrift Shop, and free volunteer taxi services for seniors. She supported the formation of the Morden and District Museum and the writing of the pictorial history book of the Town of Morden in 1981. Ruth was an active volunteer in the United Way, Tabor Home, and the Christmas Cheer Board. She was Morden Citizen of the Year in 1968, and received a plaque from the town in 1986, which thanked her for her wise counsel and modest and quiet strengths . In 1991, with Howard's nephew Donald Hurd, she donated the Leo Mol statue Deer with Fawn to the town in memory of her husband Howard. Ruth believed in the importance of education throughout her life. She was president of the Manitoba Branch of the Canadian Association of Social Workers in the 1940's. She was active in the establishment of the University of Manitoba School of Social Work (now the Faculty of Social Work), where the Howard and Ruth S. L. Winkler Bursary exists. She enjoyed attending Mature University and the Elder Hostel Program in the 1980's and early 1990's. She quietly provided support and encouragement to many who were pursuing advanced education. In her later years, she volunteered at Wi Wabigooni School to assist children with their reading skills. Ruth served on the Boards of the YWCA and the Arthritis Society, and was a member of the Manitoba Historical Society and the Canadian Counsel on Social Development. Lt. Governor Pearl McGonnigal presented Ruth with the Manitoba Good Citizenship Award in 1983. Ruth was always interested in the welfare of others, and though she gave birth to no children, she nurtured many. She enjoyed family picnics and reunions, and when her health no longer enabled her to attend, she still maintained her concern and interest in her extended families, lives. She was a generous and thoughtful giver, and in the week before her death, donated to the tsunami relief. Much could be learned from her generous use of time, talent and resources. Ruth loved the prairies, the wide expanse of land and sky. She was proud to be a Manitoba born Canadian. Ruth spent her final eight months at the Charleswood Care Centre and thanks are extended for the care given by the staff. In accordance with Ruth's wishes, there will be no memorial service. Cremation has taken place, with interment to follow in June at the Hillside Cemetery in Morden. Ruth supported many charities. If friends desire, they may make a donation in Ruth's memory to the charity of their choice. THOMSON IN THE PARK FUNERAL HOME AND CEMETERY 1291 McGillivray Blvd - 925-1120

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 22, 2005