RUTH BARBARA NEWMAN

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RUTH BARBARA NEWMAN (nee McSKIMMING) (ARCHER) August 8, 1932 - April 17, 2005 After a valiant battle with Myeloma cancer, Ruth passed away peacefully in the arms of her husband Ray on Sunday, April 17, 2005 at the Grace General Hospital. Besides her loving husband Ray of 51 years of marriage, remaining to forever cherish Ruth's memory are her children, Dwayne (Pat), Wyatt (Misty), Lorelei (Mark) and Curt (Eunice); grandchildren, Carly, Paige, Dallas, Markie, Tori, Maisy, Frank and Sam; sisters, Margaret Brust and Florence McKee; and by numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her parents, brothers, Bill and Bob McSkimming; sister Violet Phillips and blended family, sister Jean McPherson, and by brother Ernie Millward. Ruth was born and educated in Winnipeg (Isbister and Mulvey Schools) and began her working career at a young age at Eaton's Budget Office where she met many friends and her lifelong buddy Audrey Thompson. At the age of 16, she met her husband-to-be, Ray in 1949 and married in 1953. Ruth became a stay at home mom to care for their children until they were grown, when she took up other employment; summers at West Hawk Lake in the Trans Canada Restaurant Pub, hostess at The Assiniboine Inn and Georgie's, and Assistant Manager of the Downs Motor Hotel. She also was a cashier at Cy's Tomboy, Family Fare and the Cavalier I.G.A. Ruth enjoyed her summers at West Hawk Lake and the many Happy Hours with longtime friend and neighbour Bea Blom. She often spoke of the many happy memories of the Hootenannies with Bob Thompson and friends and neighbours. She also enjoyed her 14 years of wintering in Mesa, AZ, at Mesa Regal R.V. Resort and her many friends on 15th Avenue in the resort. Ruth headed up the women's Aerobics Group in the resort and was an active Clogger until her illness prevented her from doing so. She volunteered many hours in the resort Activity Office and with her husband was part of the dance committee that looked after the Friday Dances. A faithful spectator, she followed Ray to his many Softball tournaments here and in the U.S.A. Grandma, for a time was an exceptional crafts person and her many creations were enjoyed by all. She was also a great cook and many enjoyed her pickled beets, rouladen, spare ribs, and her famous turkey soup. Her greatest joy was being with her children and grandchildren, either at the Stewart Street home or at the lake. In compliance with Ruth's wishes, cremation has taken place and no formal funeral service will be held. For those who wish, you may pay your respects and sign a memorial book for the family on Friday, April 22 between 10:00 and 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Memories in Wojcik's All Beliefs and Faiths Chapel, 2157 Portage Ave. at Sharp Boulevard. Ruth was particularly fond of the Grace Hospital CancerCare staff, Marie, Dale, Kathy, Terry and the others and spent many hours joking with them. A special thanks to Dr. Pat Harris for her unrelenting pursuit of health and comfort for our dear wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Flowers are gratefully declined. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made in Ruth's memory if friends so desire, to the Canadian Cancer Society. WOJCIK'S ALL BELIEFS FAITHS FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM 897 - 4665

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 18, 2005