Ruth Winstone McKinlay

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our Mother, Ruth McKinlay.

Born in Prince George, B.C. on April 15, 1932 to Harry and Marian Bowman. Mom passed away peacefully at Vista Park Lodge on November 13, 2024 at the age of 92. She is sadly missed by her children: Brent Winstone, Anne (Brian) MacLaren, and Reed (Arla) Winstone, grandchildren, Everett, Mercedes and Forrest, Travis, Arden, Hayden, step grandchildren Karen (Chris) Kauenhofen, and Jeanne MacLaren as well as great grandchildren, Landen and Thaddeus, and great step-grandchildren Brendan and Erika. She is also survived by her sister, Anne Blair.

Mom was predeceased by her husband, Robert Winstone in 1998 after 45 years of marriage. She was also predeceased by her sister, Jean Bagley, brother, Ian Bowman and his wife Olive (Sammy) Bowman, as well as her grand-daughter Yvonne Winstone. Mom remarried in 2005 to Ben McKinlay, adding more children, Beth Frankenberger (Jeff) and Ian McKinlay (Vickie) and step grandchildren, K.T., Lucas and Blaise. Ben passed away in 2017.

Mom had a zest for life and dedicated her time to the raising of her family. As we kids grew she returned to the workforce, working at Imperial Optical, then Bonnycastle Travel Agency (became P. Lawson Travel) and MutiTex Design.

She loved to sing us the songs of her youth, keeping us entertained on the drive to and from the cottage every weekend.

A high-ranking member of The Order of the Easter Star, she took seriously the responsibilities of office and shared this passion with Ben McKinlay, a 3rd Degree Mason who joined the Easter Star to share in her experiences. Much of her time was also enjoyed at the cottage, both Oak Lake, MB, then later at Sioux Narrows, ON.

Our thanks go out to the management and staff of Vista Park Lodge, who worked tirelessly to attend to Mom’s comfort and needs.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Reed and Arla’s on Sunday, December 1, 2024 from 1:00-4:00 pm. Friends and family are invited to help us celebrate her life, and share in her memory. For further information contact Reed by email at [email protected] or by phone.

Thank You Mom. For everything. You are sorely missed.