Ruth Lily Maluish

Ruth was predeceased by her husband Ted Maluish, mother and father Mabel and Harry Silverman, and sister Florence. She leaves to cherish her memory, daughters Nancy (Stan) Hnatiuk of Winnipeg and Susan (Arthur) Herbacz of Fort McMurray, beloved grandchildren Garrett and Laura Hnatiuk, and Ian and Leah Herbacz.

A lifelong resident of Kenora, Ruth attended Central and North Ward Schools and was a graduate of Lakewood Secondary School, where she was awarded the best graduate typist award. She went on to work for the CPR Superintendent’s office where she quickly progressed to the position of secretary to the Superintendent.

After her marriage to Ted and the birth of their two daughters, Ruth left the workforce to raise her children but remained very involved in volunteer and community affairs, including figure skating and Kenora’s Little Theatre. She also helped produce and direct the “Miss Teen Kenora” pageant.

When the new F.W. Woolworth store opened in Kenora, Ruth rejoined the workforce as local advertising manager for the company, a position she thoroughly enjoyed for seven years, after which she joined her husband Ted and family friend Gus Landry in the real estate business.

Ruth was well known in the Kenora area as a talented figure skater. In later years and as time permitted, she assisted with beginner and junior skaters at the Kenora Figure

Skating Club, and organized a popular Thursday free skate for seniors at the Kenora Recreation Centre. Ruth was also a volunteer at the Pinecrest Home for the Aged and spent many afternoons working at the coffee shop and chatting to residents.

Besides her volunteer and community activities, her quiet philanthropy assisted many fundraising campaigns in the Kenora area, and her donations of her mother’s beautiful historic photos have enriched the collections at the Lake of the Woods Museum and the Lake of the Woods Hospital.

Ruth loved to organize, socialize and entertain. As a result, the Maluish home was the planning base for many badminton tournaments, parties and events with friends and family over the years – Christmas and New Years, Grey Cup, Boxing Day, anniversaries, boating parties, birthdays or just get togethers with friends. Ruth’s contributions to her family, friends and the broader community remain as beloved memories of a full and well lived life.

Cremation has taken place and as per Ruth’s wishes, a private family celebration of life and internment will take place at a later date. In memory of Ruth, donations can be made to the Lake of the Woods Museum or to a charity of your choice. Brown Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.