RUTH (HIEBERT) KROEKER

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RUTH (HIEBERT) KROEKER 1923 - 2005 Ending a courageous fight with cancer and surrounded by family, Ruth Kroeker, aged 81, passed away at home on February 21, 2005, on the date of the 57th anniversary of her marriage to her dear husband, Peter, who was at her side to the end. Ruth was predeceased by her daughter, Magenta Rose, her parents, her sister Esther, and her brother Albert. Those who live on to remember her beautiful contributions to their lives include: her beloved husband, Peter; her children and their partners: Lucy and husband Del Epp, James and wife Kate, Peter and wife Ellen, Mark and wife Marcia, Naomi and husband, Michael Austin, George Callahan, special friend of Magenta Rose; her grandchildren: Katrina and her husband, Les, Peter, Mark, Dustin, Tabitha, Rachel, Brent, Annette, Phil, Amy, Jessica, Myles, and Sidney; her siblings: Erwin and wife Elfrieda; Martha and husband Reinald; Naomi and husband Marwood; Clarence and wife Ferne; and many others. She was born December 6, 1923, in Hepburn, SK, and spent her childhood years living in Winnipeg's North End. Her family then moved to Kansas where she completed high school and received a nursing degree at Bethel Deaconess Hospital in Newton, Kansas. She returned to Winnipeg to practise nursing, and there met Peter. They were married and lived in Winkler. In 1968 Ruth and Peter made the decision to prepare for mission service overseas. This led them to three years of studies in Kansas, one year of French language training in Belgium, and four years of service in Congo. Ruth volunteered in a medical clinic and provided hospitality for countless guests. In 1976 they returned to live in Winnipeg. Ruth was never one to be directed by what others thought, but, at times with great courage and even audacity, lived out her compassion as she felt called by God. She was well-read and articulate, always interested in talking about the latest book or article that she had read, and engaging others in discussion. At the same time she loved to relate to children, reading to them, playing with them, and being silly with them. She will be remembered for the many gifts she brought to the lives of those around her. Her gift of hospitality brought many guests to her home, where family, friends and strangers were welcomed with gracious warmth. Her sense of humour brought fun and gales of laughter to many settings. Her sense of justice led her to live a life that sought to bring dignity to the powerless and the marginalized, both in personal relationships and in support of causes around the world. She and Peter together worked in Africa, travelled extensively, and developed projects around the world in their efforts to make a difference in the lives of others. Their passion was the promotion of education in Congo and India. Her life was lived in humble service to others. In Winkler she helped to establish an association for mentally challenged children, serving on the board for many years. In Congo, when she discovered that a neighbour had no one to care for him, she brought him evening meals every single night for two years. She was a deaconess in the church, and also taught toddlers' Sunday School and served on the church food committee for many years. She volunteered at the Mission Office and at the MCC Thrift Store. At the same time, she never felt that she was doing enough in serving others. A viewing will be held Monday, February 28, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the River East Mennonite Brethren Church (755 McLeod). A second viewing will take place on Tuesday, March 1 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Winkler MB Church, with a private family interment to follow at the Winkler Cemetery. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Tuesday, March 1 at 4:00 p.m. at the River East MB Church, with reception to follow. Friends of the family in care of arrangements. 222-8080.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 26, 2005