Ruby Hope Bauer

Ruby was born in Edmonton in 1930 and lived the first eighteen years of her life on the family farm near Rochfort Bridge. Then she did a two-year study at Vermillion School of Agriculture and Home Economics, later known as Lakeland College. In second year sewing she made her wedding dress as well as graduation gown, and married Robert Bauer soon after graduation in 1951. They took over the family farm and raised children Chris, Gloria and Deana. The children were in 4H grain club and Ruby led 4H clubs in clothing and leatherwork. She also sang in the Vermillion and Manville church choirs and the Vermillion mixed Chorus.

In 1974 they moved to Victoria. Ruby was involved in the formation of the Juan de Fuca Art & Crafts Guild, Album Quilters and Victoria Quilters Guild. She also belonged to School House Quilters in Parksville. She began teaching quilting and found her vocation. She taught at Whichcraft in Esquimalt, as well as all over the island and mainland, and at five Canadian Quilters Guild conferences.

When Robert retired, they took to the roads in their van conversion (Goldie) touring Alaska, across Canada and parts of USA. Unfortunately, dementia overtook Robert and he passed away in 2008. Ruby continued to quilt for her family, which eventually included her three children, Chris (Sharon), Gloria, and Deana (John), 7 grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. She remained active in her guilds until well into her eighties.

She is survived by her sisters Ardith and Noel (Roger). Predeceased by her brother Douglas in 2007. Remembered by her family, many friends, acquaintances, admirers and a flock of nieces, nephews and their families in Alberta and British Columbia as well as her good friend Joe.

Special thanks to Dr Cutteford for her special kindness and concern and all the care workers from VIHA, Island Health and Hospice support.