Annie VANE

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

VANE: Annie Lucinda Ruth Vane died April 17, 2010, as her flowers are awakening to a new season of growth. She was the first daughter of eight children of Nelson and Sarah Clark (Waddington), born August 9, 1905, near Treesbank, MB. With her family she travelled by covered wagon beyond the end of the railroad to homestead near Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan. They returned to Treesbank where she helped her father in his horticultural business. From the age of 12 she was a beekeeper for which she was honoured by the Manitoba Beekeepers Association in 2004. In 1920, as a participant in the Manitoba Boys’ and Girls’ Club, a demonstration on canning garden produce won her and her team a trip to the Manitoba Agricultural College and a cruise on the S.S Kenora. She married Rupert Vane in 1926 and they farmed the Köhler place until 1945 when they bought ‘Many Furrows’ near Stockton. Over the years they developed a fine orchard, tennis court and gardens and won the Good Roads Association trophy in 1976 for the most beautiful farmyard. Rupert and Ruth celebrated 51 years together. Their hospitality extended to all who dropped by; their table had many leaves and stretched to accommodate everyone. Always inquisitive, Ruth was constantly learning new methods of gardening, and testing new varieties of fruits, vegetables and recipes. Everyday offered new opportunities. As finances allowed she eagerly gave up the wash tub for a gas powered wringer-washer–to an automatic; from wood-stove to electric to microwave, from horse- back and wagon to Model T ford ,to grain truck, to Dodge Dart Swinger. Having transported much water uphill on the handlebars of a bicycle it became a great gift when water flowed at the turn of a tap. Ruth supported her children in all their activities: music, 4H, a multitude of crafty endeavours, higher education, and travel. She was active in the Stockton United Church choir and Ladies Aid, was a curling fan and enjoyed knitting. Ruth was predeceased by Rupert; sons-in-law: Campbell Young, Frank Pennycook, and Ken Queen; and daughter-in-law Susan Vane. Thankful for their Mom’s lively spirit and a life fully lived are Verna Pennycook, Faye Young, Oriole (Art) Veldhuis, Pearl Queen, Ruby (Jim) Hunter, Roland Vane, and Beverley Kaye Vane (Bill Shepherd), as well as 19 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. Her grandchildren are tributes to her life well lived. Internment of her ashes in Millford Cemetery, beside her beloved Rupert and infant daughter Orlo Marie, will take place May 5th. The family extends its praise and appreciation to Dr. White, Dr. Swanepoel and the staff of the Glenboro Personal Care Home for their excellent care of our dear mother. In lieu of flowers please honour Ruth's memory by making a donation to the Glenboro Personal Care Home or to a charity of your choice.

As published in Brandon Sun on Apr 24, 2010