Ruth Simonyi-Gindele

Born on December 19, 1931, in New Zealand to James and Doris (Hill) Thompson, Ruth was raised in a Christian home where daily Bible reading, prayer, and love shaped her character. Even before her personal conversion at age twelve, she spoke earnestly to others about the reality of eternity. She grew up working alongside her father on the family orchard as his “right hand man,” fearlessly loading 40-pound fruit crates and mastering machinery. Athletic and determined, she excelled in swimming, running, and hurdle jumping, while her photographic memory kept her at the top of her class.

Ruth pursued nursing with passion and excellence, earning triple qualifications in general, midwifery, and psychiatric nursing. In 1972, shortly after the creation of the Nursing Council of New Zealand, she became its first Nurse Advisor. In this pioneering role she directed a staff of thirty and carried such weighty responsibility that, upon her departure in 1975, her position had to be filled by three people. She helped shape nursing education, registration processes, and professional standards across the country, assessing overseas-trained nurses and advancing curriculum reforms. Her leadership was grounded in her Christian faith, which guided her to show compassion, uphold dignity, and pursue integrity in nursing practice.

On June 11, 1975, Ruth was united in marriage to her beloved husband, Steven Simonyi-Gindele, following a brief but providential courtship. They became engaged in February, married in June, and immigrated to Canada on July 1, 1975. Over the next nine years, Steven’s work in real estate, oil and gas exploration, and gold mining required thirteen relocations across British Columbia, Oklahoma, and Alberta. Through every transition, Ruth’s loyalty, adaptability, and steadfast devotion provided stability and strength to their marriage and family life. From 1984 onward, Ruth and Steven made their home in Greater Vancouver, where, guided by her Christian faith, Ruth delighted in building a warm household, nurturing her children, and cultivating friendships that reflected her love for the Lord and blessed her family for decades.

Her life was defined by unwavering faith in Christ. For more than eighty years after her conversion, she remained steadfast in Scripture, prayer, and service. She was a faithful wife, a devoted mother, and a quiet, stabilizing presence in every community she touched. She loved and served others unconditionally, pointing many to the Savior she trusted from childhood.

Ruth is survived by her husband of fifty years, Steven; her sons Samuel (Elizabeth) and Caleb (Verlynda); and her grandchildren Zachary, Ethan, Jesse, Seth, Abigail, Raquenna (Seth), Cassia, and Lanaya. She is also survived by her siblings Noeleen Melling, May McCrindle, Olive Thompson, John Thompson, and Lois Thompson. She was predeceased by her parents and by her sister Elwyn Thompson (1990).

The family takes comfort in the assurance that she is now at peace in the presence of her Savior:

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7)

In lieu of flowers, tax-deductible memorial contributions may be made to Judson University in support of the Bible Literacy Project at www.judsonu.edu/giving.