Ruth Synove Zelinski

Ruth Synove Charstad Zelinski was born in Prince Rupert on July 16, 1932. She was the third daughter of Bertavus (Bert) and Elfrieda Charstad.

The family lived in Prince Rupert until Ruth was seven years old, and then left at the beginning of World War Two. The family then moved to Regina and Moose Jaw for a short period of time, before settling in Saskatoon. Ruth graduated from Nutana Collegiate High School, where she played basketball and volleyball, and was President of the Glee Club Choir.

After High School, Ruth attended Outlook Bible School for a year, and then worked at the Tuberculosis Sanitorium in Saskatoon. With a strong interest in serving and caring for others, Ruth enrolled in Moose Jaw Union Hospital School of Nursing, where she graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1956. She then worked at this same hospital for several years before returning back to further studies.

Ruth then enrolled at Briercrest Bible College where she met her husband Andrew. They had their first date during a weekly skating event. In this strict Christian environment, they were permitted to walk together on Sundays, and were allowed one date a year. Ruth graduated with both a Christian Education Diploma and a Teachers Diploma while Andrew completed his Pastors Diploma and Teachers Diploma. Ruth and Andrew were then married three days after graduation.

After they were married, Ruth worked at St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon as an Emergency Room and Operating Room Nurse, while Andrew completed his Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Arts. Andrew then taught English at Enderby Secondary School, while Ruth worked at the Enderby General Hospital. It was here that they adopted their first child, Paul.

In 1968 they moved to Maple Ridge and adopted their second son, James, in 1969. Several years later in 1973, their daughter Christina was born.

Ruth particularly liked hospitality and entertained many people over the years. Ruth would often sing solos in church, teach Sunday School, and lead several children's church choirs. When Andrew and Ruth moved to Abbotsford in their retirement years, Ruth led the singing and served lunch to the speakers each week for ten years, at Joyful Sounds, in their retirement community. Ruth also volunteered at Gleaners in Abbotsford, and participated in weekly aerobics until December, 2024.

Ruth was recently predeceased by her two sisters Greta and Betty. She is survived by her husband Andrew of sixty three years. She will be missed by her children Paul (Linda), James (Dianne), and Christina, her two grandchildren Issac and Jasleen, her brother David, and many nieces and nephews.

Ruth loved Jesus Christ, and watched Christian television daily in her retirement years. She had a strong love for God, her husband, her family, and her community. She was known by many in later years to give them a big hug and a sincere compliment. Ruth will live on in the hearts of her family and friends forever.

A memorial service for Ruth will be held Monday, February 10, 2025 at 11:30 AM at The Gathering Church, 2285 Clearbrook Rd, Abbotsford, British Columbia V2T 2X4.