Urla Ruth Belch

A kind and beautiful soul has been called home. Left to cherish the memories of our dearest Ruth are husband, Lindsay Belch, children Marilyn (Gordon Venner), Janet Culliton, James (Ingrid) and Tom (Mary), grandchildren John Venner, Grace Culliton, Ruth-Anne Hunsberger (Adam), Nathaniel (Su), Rachel (Axel), Sarah, Liam, Luke, Imara, five great-grandchildren, her sisters-in-law Mary Belch and Natalie Ward and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Ruth was born in Toronto, the youngest of three sisters. Her parents Urla and Duncan Allan instilled a strong Christian faith. Ruth’s upbringing was also shaped by her family’s sacrifices in WW1, her own memories of WW2 and the Great Depression. She graduated from nursing in 1954. She married Lindsay on December 29, 1955 at Knox Presbyterian Church, Toronto, after his graduation from medical school. Theirs was a marriage of love, devotion, support and shared good humour for almost 70 years.

Ruth could do anything she put her mind to. She became an accomplished cook, despite knowing almost nothing about cooking when she was first married. Like many nurses of her era, she was organized, competent, resourceful and decisive. She was a talented seamstress, managing projects that spanned upholstery to couturier gowns and fabulous Hallowe’en costumes for her children. She would take on complicated home decorating and carpentry projects, even dividing a room to build a study for her husband - to his astonishment. She was a lifelong learner. In her 60s, she graduated with an honours degree in English literature, making the Dean’s List. At the age of 90, she published a memoir.

Ruth took to horseback riding and downhill skiing and ensured her children were equipped with lessons and gear to be competent at these and other pursuits. She was a successful groomer of prize-winning Herefords at the farm she and Lindsay developed while Lindsay practised medicine. Later, she and Lindsay bought a century-old family farm near Millbrook, Ontario and she renovated and created a beautiful home there.

She was a natural connector and helper, a community volunteer. Among other activities, she taught Sunday School, and sang in the church choir. Her children and their friends fondly remember their mother singing at home with her gorgeous soprano voice. She was generous and gracious, a superb hostess, and had a gift for making people from all walks of life feel welcome. Everyone loved Ruth. She enjoyed good conversation, the arts, travel, current events, gardening, and reading. She was the keeper of family history and the architect of extended family gatherings. She was loyal, honest, forgiving, elegant, and cheerful. She laughed easily and, even in her final days, blessed us with her loving smile. She passed away peacefully at her home. Special thanks to Dr. Janet Morse and to Natalie Ward and Joselyn Lansangan for their expertise and kind care for Ruth at the end.

Following cremation, a service will be held at Thornhill Presbyterian Church, 271 Centre St, Thornhill, on Saturday, December 13 at 1:00 pm. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a favourite charity.