Ruth Marie Sparrow

It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Ruth Marie Sparrow on September 2, 2018. Ruth was a devoted wife, mother, auntie, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Ruth was born October 23, 1937 in Vancouver to George and Ruth Smith. When Ruth was a teenager, her family moved to Kamloops and she met the love of her life, Jim Sparrow. In their younger years, Jim and Ruth moved numerous times while Jim worked for BC Forestry until 1969 when they moved to Adams Lake and then Chase. Once all of the children were grown and left home, they then moved to Kamloops, where they have lived ever since. Ruth is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Jim, and children Rob (Wendy), Carol and Sandra, as well as grandchildren Richard (Danica), Sarah (Brent), Lindsay (Steve) and Laurie (Romeo); great-grandchildren Kira, Grayson, Carter, Tenley and Tayden; as well as her sister Sandra, niece Andrea (David) and grand-niece Ruby, and numerous relatives on Jim's side of the family. Ruth was predeceased by her son, Michael, and her mom and dad, as well as her aunts and uncles. Mom was an artist, loved to draw and paint when she was young but when mom developed dystonia, she was no longer able to do the things that she loved so much. Mom was a warm, funny, giving and very sweet person who lived for her children and husband and whom everyone loved when they met her. Mom was also one of the strongest women you could meet. Mom was happiest when surrounded by family. Mom truly loved all of her extended family from Dad's side, his sisters and brothers and their children as well and loved being around a large family gathering. Mom was a very private person but when you were in her circle, you felt cared for and loved. Mom never liked people to make a big fuss over her but she always loved making a fuss over others instead. There will be a small family service to remember Ruth. Please, no flowers at the family's request. The family would like to extend a very warm and heartfelt thank you to Dr. Mavis Hollman who looked after Mom so well and whom mom loved dearly, as well as Dr. Vukusic, the nurses, RTs and social worker who helped Mom, as well as Dad and the family in the Emergency Room.