RUTH SHEAD

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RUTH SHEAD April 25, 1915 - May 8, 2012 Ruth Shead passed away peacefully in her 98th year with all five of her surviving children around her bedside. She was the middle child' of nine children of the late Nathaniel and Jean Asham of the Peguis Band of Indians (now the Peguis First Nation). Ruth and her brother Tom and sister Dorothy were among the first students to attend the Elkhorn Indian Residential School when it reopened in 1924; but their father brought them home in 1927. Ruth maintained that she had been on school holidays ever since her dad rescued' her and her siblings from Elkhorn. In May 1938 Ruth enfranchised and married Harry Shead - the love of her life. Together they made their home in Selkirk and raised their family of seven children - Bill (Lynn), Harry (Nelda), Tom (Ethel), Patricia (Jim) Grove, Richard (Sharon), Barbara, and Joe (Frankie). Ruth and Harry had 52 happy years together when Harry passed away in 1990. Their son Harry passed away in 1997 and Tom in 2005. After Harry returned from serving in the Canadian Navy during the Second World War, they built a new home on North Main for their growing family. Ruth met every challenging demand of her expanding and growing brood of children and their friends. Her skills as a homemaker would put Martha Stewart to shame as she did so much (parenting, cooking, cleaning, gardening, sewing, decorating, etc.) with so little and without the benefit of even the most fundamental conveniences available even then. She was determined, patient, understanding and forgiving. Above all else she was a humble and gentle soul with an endearing sense of good humour with such a wonderful smile. She will be missed but always loved by her sister Eva, five surviving children, 15 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, her cousin and dearest friend - Olive Adams and many nieces, nephews and friends. The family extends our heartfelt gratitude to the Staff of Red River Place for their loving care of Ruth. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 12 at 11:00 a.m. in the Christ Church Anglican, 227 McLean Ave., Selkirk, MB 482-5858. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.gilbartfuneralhome.com
Publish Date: May 11, 2012

RUTH SHEAD On Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at the Red River Place Nursing Home, Ruth Shead, aged 97 years of Selkirk, MB passed away. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 12 at 11:00 a.m. in the Christ Church Anglican, Selkirk. Full obituary to follow. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.
Publish Date: May 10, 2012

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 10, 2012