Ruby Joyce Hayne Hinsz

She was an honest, upright, caring, compassionate person who was an amazing example of how to live a life of faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She taught us all how to love the Lord and the importance of prayer. She prayed for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren daily.

Ruby Joyce Hayne was born in Didsbury, Alberta Canada on July 28, 1933. She was the fifth of six children born to Henry and Velma Hayne: Dorothy, Raymond, Grace (passed away as an infant), Muriel, Ruby and Ronald.

She grew up and attended a rural school near Didsbury where her parents farmed. She gave her life to God at a young age, living out a strong faith that sustained her throughout her life.

Ruby and her brother Ron boarded at Mountainview Bible Institute in Didsbury during high school and she later attended Hillcrest Bible College in Medicine Hat, Alberta where she made many wonderful friends and enjoyed using her talents in music and leadership. She participated on a traveling team leading Vacation Bible School programs in various communities and it was at this time she met the one who would become the love of her life. One of their stops was in Martin, ND. A certain young man named Arley Hinsz took one look and, as he liked to say, “It was love at first sight.” They courted through letters and the occasional phone call and were married on July 7, 1954 in Didsbury. They were blessed with 52 years together.

They took over the Hinsz family farm and began their journey as husband and wife. Life was full with all the duties farming required. They farmed grain and raised beef cattle. Ruby was never one to sit back and watch things get done and could be found slinging hay bales, assisting when calving became difficult for one of the cows, driving the combine, hauling grain... No chore was beneath her or too difficult for her. She also had a love for horses and enjoyed riding. Ruby always had a huge garden and there never was a shortage of canned goods on the shelves and produce in the root cellar. Her flower gardens were a beautiful source of pride and the yard(s) always gave a colorful welcome.

Their first child arrived in 1955. They were so excited to have a son, Darryl. Life took on all the joys and responsibilities that come once a baby arrives. Two years later they welcomed another son, Keith. Arley looked forward to when he could share his love of farm life with his boys. Another four years pass and Penny is born, Ruby finally got her girl. Visions of ringlets, frilly dresses and dolls filled her mind. Penny surprised her by being more of a tomboy. Brent was the special blessing that sealed the family circle arriving another four years later. Six was the magic number that filled the car.

Ruby was involved in various areas of service; Gideons, Church and camp committees, singing in the choir, Homemakers, speaker for Stonecroft’s Christian Women’s luncheons, leading women’s Bible studies, mentoring and her and Arley hosted four International Exchange Students. Later, in Leduc, she stayed involved in her community serving on the Victim Services Board, the Leduc Regional HUB (a referral resource for all the helping agencies in the Leduc community) and singing in the Telford Singers choir.

Arley was severely injured in a car crash in December of 1983. Life changed dramatically as Ruby made the transition from partnering alongside him on the farm to being responsible for his care. Even though he recovered well enough to drive, there were many day-to-day things he needed her for, differently than before.

They retired from farming in 1985, and moved into town. Now faced with needing to provide some of the income she worked in Harvey at several different jobs: clerical work in a medical office, veterinary office and Experience Works. She worked as a grocery cashier at Super Value, and Red Owl. She was willing to do whatever helped pay the bills. (Before retiring, both Ruby and Arley drove school bus for many years.)

Arley passed away in October 2006 and Ruby began more seriously considering something they had begun to discuss together; moving back to her home province of Alberta to be closer to her family and the joy of her life, her grandchildren. In April 2009 Canadian legislation was changed, automatically restoring her Canadian Citizenship. This paved the way for her to realize her dream of ‘moving home.’

Ruby wasn’t about to be left behind by technology and purchased a laptop computer entering the world of email and Facebook. She even purchased her iPhone before her daughter got hers. If she wasn’t at the computer, she was texting and keeping in touch with everyone. She loved to text and as the dexterity in her fingers diminished her typos became more and more entertaining!!!

Even more than technology, she loved games! If it was a family get together, her Game Face was on!! She knew all the newest scrabble words out there, insisting her words were real even if she couldn’t prove it! And don’t argue, cause she’s gonna win!! She also loved Uno, push rummy, Domino’s, and of course Phase 10. The later in the night the game lasted, the better!! She loved family and don’t forget the dessert (she loved her sweets)! She was also an avid bowler and loved to show off her bowling skills! She even had her OWN 10 pin Bowling ball.

Ruby loved sharing her favorite recipes and teaching us how to make good gravy and her favorite, Saskatoon Pie (there are even a few here for the lunch). The smell of fresh buns, bread or cinnamon buns frequently filled the house.

Hospitality was one of her gifts. Every Sunday her home was filled with company for lunch after the church service. One of her favorite beverages to make was a grape punch with real grape juice and 7-Up. Ask Keith what happens when it is sealed and not put in the refrigerator.

When Christmas came, we all checked our mail boxes for moms Christmas Letter. She loved to write and reminisce as she creatively put memories in poetic form.

Her Grandchildren were her most precious pride and joy: first grandchild, Chad Hinsz (married to Charmaine), Teresa Marshall (married to Jesse), Kevin Carleton (married to Lauren), Jennifer Mayr (married to Derek) and Allison Carleton. When Darryl married Donna she inherited two more beautiful grandchildren, Nicholas and Michelle. Jacob arrived to Darryl & Donna completing the grandchildren clan bringing the number to eight. She impatiently awaited the arrival of the first great grandchild and was very proud, making sure everyone knew she was a great grandma. Mckenna Marshall and Alexa Carleton put the final gleam in her eye and she commented recently that she was living to see her great grandchildren.

Being a knitter she was able to proudly present each grandchild a handmade afghan in his or her favorite color; her special touch of love.

Her last few months of life became quite complex and difficult as her health failed. When it came time for dialysis she was able to manage at home on a nighttime cycler machine leaving her free during the days to do the things she loved.

Her family is very blessed to know that her Heavenly Father has welcomed her home with a “Well done My good and faithful servant.”

Ruby will be remembered by her loving family, four children, Darryl (Donna) Hinsz of New Lisbon, Wisconsin, Keith (Jane) Hinsz of Edmonton, Penny (Steve) Carleton of Leduc and Brent (Wendy) Hinsz of Fargo, North Dakota; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren and her bother Ronald (Susan) Hayne of Ganges, BC. She was predeceased by her husband Arley, two sisters and a brother.

A Funeral Service was held on Thursday August 8, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at Leduc Fellowship Church, 4401 Rollyview Road Leduc. Interment was Tuesday August 13, 2013 in Harvey, North Dakota. A memorial service followed at Bethel Baptist Church at 11:00 am in Harvey, North Dakota.

In memory of Ruby, donations may be made to the Gideon’s International, Compassion Canada, or Crystal Springs Baptist Camp in Medina, North Dakota.