Ruth was born in Calgary, the only child of John and Irene Loucks. While in her infancy her family moved to Edmonton where she lived for the rest of her life. Graduating from Victoria Composite High School in 1955 she apprenticed as a Dental Assistant and Hygienist. After working for several dentists in downtown Edmonton she took a position as a civilian dental employee for DND at the military dental clinic located in the Western Command H.Q. building in Griesbach. It was there in 1959 that she met her future husband, Earl, then a young Lieutenant in the PPCLI stationed at the adjoining Hamilton Gault Barracks. Married in 1960, this September would have marked their 60th anniversary. Ruth's final dental duties before becoming a full-time homemaker were carried out in the Faculty of Dentistry, U of A. As assistant to Dr. Castaldi she was very much involved at that time in pro-fluoridation research and debates.
Ruth was predeceased by her parents and is survived by her husband Earl of Edmonton (& her brother-in-law Daniel Mansfield of Gibsons, B.C) ,daughter Mary Mansfield of Edmonton, daughter Elisabeth Murphy, son-in-law James Murphy and grandchildren Gillian, Hugh, Thomas and Adam Murphy all of Manotick, ON; cousins Marilyn Gustafson, Washington, D.C. and Bill and Louis Heier, Minnesota. How she cherished her grandchildren! Her final goodbyes, very shortly before her death from a very aggressive and inoperable cancer, were to them via a Galaxy tablet. Ruth was very intelligent, caring, scrupulously honest and noted for the tremendous integrity that characterized her relationships with friends and family. Her precious grandchildren could not have had a better role model.
Ruth very much enjoyed her numerous years both as a volunteer and as an employee at Fort Edmonton Park. As an Historical Interpreter she authentically assumed the personas of Mrs. Rutherford, Mrs. Mellon, and others. As well, for some ten years, she served as an influential board member of the Edmonton Branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association during a time of significant growth in the responsibilities of the board.
Ruth felt very strongly about the importance of the education of girls and women. Through her membership in Chapter A-E of P.E.O. she was able to assist in pursuing these ideals as the P.E.O. Sisterhood is dedicated to helping women achieve their educational goals. Any friends who wish to honour Ruth's memory are encouraged to donate to: F.E. Taylor Scholarship, c/o Treasurer, PEO, 9619 Ottewell Road, N.W., Edmonton, AB, T6B 2E3. Tax receipts will be provided.
Special thanks to Carmen and her nursing colleagues of Pod "F" of AHS Home Care; Dr. Schiller, Royal Alex; Dr. King, Cross Institute; for all their compassion and care; very special thanks to Dr. Robert Bradstock, Ruth's family physician for some 47 years, for not only being an exceptional doctor but for becoming, in effect, one of Ruth's extended family; very special thanks to Ruth's good friend and "adopted" daughter Debbie Hayes for her years of friendship, particularly for her invaluable help during Ruth's final weeks; Carlton condo community where Ruth enjoyed 10 years of close fellowship are thanked for never forgetting her; Ruth would also want remembered the generosity and many kindnesses of her extended family in Paoli, Penn., Liangfu and Yi Chen and Family; and many thank you's to Ruth's sisterhood in P.E.O. for their love and support. Ruth found there, at last the sisters that she had longed to have while growing up.
Ruth's father, John, was a very early member, if not a founding member, of the AA program in Edmonton. Given her father's subsequent sobriety and life success, Ruth took to heart the AA Serenity prayer which became a touchstone and she repeated it often: "God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change... Courage to change the things I can... and Wisdom to know the difference."
Cremation has taken place at Hainstock's Funeral Home and Crematorium. In accordance with her wishes, and current circumstances, there will be no services at this time. Her ashes will be taken to Ontario where, when circumstances permit, an appropriate ceremony will be held at the location she had chosen.
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