RUTH (KNOPF) BONNEY

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RUTH (KNOPF) BONNEY With great sadness, the family announces that after a lengthy battle with cancer, Ruth Bonney passed away peacefully at Riverview Health Centre on December 7, 2007. She leaves behind to mourn her passing seven children, Joyce (Eckhard), Nicky (John), Janice (David), Bruce (Marilyn), Laverne (Grant), Darlene (friend Rick), Gord (Tracy); 21 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Born Ruth Knopf, she grew up in the Whitemouth area of Manitoba. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Helmut ( Bunny ), on December 9, 1989 and by five siblings, Lornie, George, Budsie, Emmie and Peter. Mom loved her children , grandchildren and great-grandchildren. No matter how ill she was, it always cheered her to have a little one nearby. She was a staunch supporter of the Billy Graham organization and a faithful viewer of It's a New Day and the Bill Gaither specials. One of her greatest joys was watching the birds and squirrels outside her bedroom window and she even looked forward to the visits of a little mouse to her bird feeder. Even in her final weeks, Everybody Loves Raymond could bring a smile to her face. She regularly did the crossword puzzle and could beat her daughters playing Scrabble. Even when so exhausted that she had to rest in between steps, she would make her special poppy seed cake and apple pie for her family. Everyone knew her for her zany sense of humour. Mom was one of the bravest people we have ever known. Even in her final days, she tried to spare us by never acknowledging her pain and would thank us for visiting and tell us to go live your lives . Despite many pain-filled years and several serious operations, to the end Mom never ceased to say, Tomorrow will be better. Well, Mom, tomorrow IS now better. Your pain is gone and you are reunited with Dad in heaven. We will miss you and look forward to seeing both of you again one day. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. (John 14:2-3) A short memorial service to honour Mom's memory will be held at the Fort Garry Mennonite Brethren Church 1771 Pembina, 10:30 am Wednesday, December 12 . According to Mom's wishes, cremation has taken place. Her ashes will be interred at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens in the spring. The family also wishes to thank Dr. R. Hayward, and all the wonderful doctors, nurses and aides at Cancer Care and the palliative care ward at Riverview for their loving care of both mom and the family. Special thanks to Shirley from Home Care, who was a dear friend to Mom. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Riverview Health Center Foundation. A memorial website to share remembrances of Mom is under construction.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 10, 2007