Ruby Marion Steele

Ruby Marion Steele passed away in the Palliative Care Unit of the Pasqua Hospital on November 16, 2021 at the age of 99. She was predeceased by her parents George and Bella Gardipie; her three husbands Cyril DeBacker, Lawrence Gauthier and Roy Steele; as well as all of her siblings Vincent, Pearl (Gibbons), Gladys (Blondeau), Charles, Carol (Stec) and Robert. She is survived by her three children Michele (Gary) Howland, Gregory DeBacker and Kathryn (Brian) Sumbot; as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews. Ruby was born south of Macoun on September 12, 1922. She was the eldest of seven children and grew up in a large extended family along the Souris River in southern Saskatchewan. Most of Mom’s work life was spent in the world of accounting, where she worked at George’s Flooring, Co-ax Cable and Bouchard Electric in Estevan and Bouchard Oil Field Services when the company transferred to Red Deer in 1972. In her 50’s she decided to become an insurance agent and worked at The Co-operators in Red Deer until her retirement. Ruby was solitary by nature but she was always ready for a great story and lots of laughs. She loved her books and, during the last several years, was especially fond of Louise Penny and the zaniness of Janet Evanowich. Enjoying music was always a large part of her life; everything from fiddle music and the bagpipes, the crooners and big band music of the 40s, Broadway musicals and, of course, Pavarotti. She jumped into community activities that ranged from active involvement in organizing a teen club in Estevan, being a cub leader with the Boy Scouts, serving as a matron with the Estevan Police Service and actively campaigning in political elections. Our mother was a force; a strong, independent and decisive woman. She will be missed. Special thanks go to the staff of Harvest Haven at Broadway Terrace as well as the Pasqua Hospital medical team in 3D and the Palliative Care team in 3A. Thank you so much. We really appreciate the wonderful and dedicated care you gave Mom at the end of her life. Due to Covid and winter, a fond farewell will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Eden Care Communities, 107 Albert Street B, Regina, SK S4R 2N3.