Ruth was surrounded by her loving daughters who will miss her terribly. She was preceded in death by her parents Harry and Elizabeth Baldwin, her loving husband of 63 years Harvey Botham, and her beloved sister Muriel Compton. Ruth is survived by her daughters Lynn Ruth (Bryn), Jill Anne (Roger), five grandchildren Rhoslyn (Greg), Krista (Jason), Trevor (Lauren), Chris (Brianne), Jennifer, and three dear great-grandchildren Emma Ruth, Luke, and Mia. She is also survived by Betty Anne (Bert), Tim, Craig (Patricia), Kath (Doug), Tom (Beth), Jamie (Joan), cousin Joan Iott, her extended family, and many friends.
Ruth was born in Regina, Saskatchewan. She met Harvey while working at the Royal Bank of Canada and they were married in 1950. They travelled by train to Vancouver, BC on their honeymoon and decided to make it their home. They built a life and raised their girls in North Vancouver. Ruth’s legacy is her family, which gave her the greatest pride. She found joy in watching her grandchildren grow and build lives of their own, and spoiled them as often as she could. When her husband Harvey retired Ruth was thankful for the many trips they were able to enjoy together, especially to Europe.
Ruth had a winning smile, easy laugh, and enjoyed good company. A social butterfly, she was known for being fashionable and often wore fancy hats with her sister Murch at church, where she found a loving community and served as a devoted parishioner. She had a keen eye for colour and fashion, and was always the most stylish and dignified person in any room. Whether she was playing bridge with her friends, shopping for Christmas presents in March, or scheduling lunches and events, Ruth was happiest when she was spending time with the people she loved most.
A private family service will be held when possible, and her ashes will be interred next to her husband’s and her sister’s in the Memorial Garden at St. Martin’s Anglican Church. The family offers a special thank you to Dr. Lakha, Coastal Health Nurses, and to all of the caring staff and nurses at the North Shore Hospice Center for their respectful and compassionate care.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the North Shore Hospice & Palliative Project will be gratefully accepted.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.firstmemorialnorthvancouver.com for the Botham family.
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