RUTH CHRISTENA EVA HATCHER (BAUER) -

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RUTH CHRISTENA EVA HATCHER (nee BAUER) 1930 - 2005 Peacefully, on Tuesday, April 26, 2005, at the Health Sciences Centre, Ruth passed away after many years of courageous struggle. Remaining to cherish her memory are her four sons, David, Jeffrey (Leah), Paul (Nadi) and Don (Bibiane); grandchildren, Mack, Jordan and Mika; sisters, June Brownell (Norval) and Marguerite Reutner (Albert); and brother Eddie Bauer (Gloria). She was predeceased by her husband Frank (Bud) Hatcher; eldest brother Bill; and sister-in-law Edna. Mom was born in Winnipeg on June 12, 1930, to Christina (Teenie) and Henry Bauer. Ruthie grew up in her beloved north end making many lifelong friends along the way. It was with these friends and some baseball playing buddies that she formed the nucleus of the K B Girls' Club (Knit Bitch) which met every second Tuesday evening for 45 years. Mom played baseball and was an all-star second baseman for CUAC and loved reminiscing about her playing days. Ruth and Bud were married in 1952 and had four boys. When her sons were young she and Bud supported their boys' love of soccer and later their music careers. No matter what Ruthie's boys were doing, she was their biggest cheerleader. Mom was diagnosed with MS in her 30s but still continued to do as much as she could for as long as possible, always with a glass half full outlook on life. Whether it was stripping furniture or hanging wallpaper, she was not going to let illness stop her. She painted pictures, did needlepoint, arts and crafts, and her specialty, Raggedy-Anne and Andy dolls. She developed a love for Lake Winnipeg at an early age and later as a parent, spent many summers with her young family renting cottages in Whytewold, Ponemah, Winnipeg Beach, and finally in 1994, she bought her own little log cabin in Sandy Hook, the house that Ruth built. Ruth moved to Deer Lodge and finally Riverview Health Centre earlier this year where she enjoyed her Sunday family lunches. Her greatest joy was being surrounded by her family and watching her grandchildren grow. Ruth had an unwavering faith in love, life and friendship. She never gave up. The warmth and affection she brought to all who knew her will be greatly missed. A Come and Go Tea in Mom's honour will be held on Saturday, April 30 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Riverview Health Centre, 1 Morley Ave. Thanks to Dr. Battad and the staff of H4 at HSC and the Staff of 2B at Riverview Health Centre. Special thanks to Dr. Tom Hayakawa and HSC team on H5 for their compassion. Lastly, thank you to incredible friends and family - Auntie Maggie, Sheila Benson, Elva Barkwell and daughter Kelly, Helen McBride, Bernice Polistak, Bill Byman, Eddie Hodgert and Jocelyne, Hugh Swandel, Dave Briggs, Jack Baigrie, Mary Deegan, Berthe LaFleche, Deena and Alan Decter, and Pastor Ted Hicks. Ruth loved your many visits. Special thanks also to big brother Dave. Always willing, ever present, Dave was Mom's legs and she relied on him greatly. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ruth's memory may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Manitoba, 400 - 141 Bannatyne Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3B 0R3. Nanny, you will be forever loved And remembered - We all have a hole in our hearts. WOJCIK'S ALL BELIEFS FAITHS FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM 897 - 4665

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 29, 2005