Ruth MARTIN

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

MARTIN: Ruth passed away on July 7, 2014 in Wawanesa, MB. Velma Ruth Martin (nee Keir) was born to William and Lilian Keir on December 10,1927 in Morden Hospital. She spent her early years on the farm with her younger sister, Margaret, who was born in 1931. They had many adventures with their cousins on the farm. She attended nearby Cheval School. As a teenager, she boarded with her grandmother in Morden to attend high school. Her family sold the farm in 1945 and moved to Morden where Ruth completed high school at Maple Leaf Collegiate. Ruth always had an interest in nursing but that wasn't to be so she chose to pursue teaching. She taught one year on permit near Cartwright, MB then continued her education at Normal School in Winnipeg graduating with her teaching certificate in 1949. Ruth taught one year at Matchettville then moved into Treherne to teach two more years. On October 18, 1952 Ruth married Bruce Martin from Nesbitt in St Paul's United Church, Morden. They began their life together on the farm located on NE 6-7-18 in the Nesbitt Community where they lived for the next sixty-one years. After marrying, Ruth continued her career by teaching one year at Carroll, MB then two years at Bertha School (near Nesbitt). Ruth gave birth to four children. She enjoyed raising her family and being active in the Nesbitt community including the UCW, 4-H Club and Community Club. From 1959 onward, Ruth and Bruce danced with numerous square dance clubs including Nesbitt, Wawanesa, and Glenboro. When their family was young, their social event without any children was square dancing. When they had more time on their hands, the time spent dancing increased. Their winters in Osoyoos, BC were filled with dances and socializing. The value of handmade work filled Ruth's life - from food to clothes to home decoration to scrapbooks. If she heard of something new that seemed interesting, she pursued it. Her family grew up enjoying homemade baking and the preserved bounty from her garden. The time Ruth spent in the yard seemed to be a source of relaxation and pleasure. Sewing, knitting, crocheting and ceramics were skills she had mastered and put to good use. Her hands made many items from her dresses to swimsuits for her teenage daughters then baby blankets for each grandchild and each great-grandchild as they arrived. Ruth rekindled an interest in basket weaving-which was something her mother had done. Many handmade gifts were given with love to family who treasure each one. Ruth's work to chronicle events and memories in scrapbooks and genealogy documents became a work of love and exploration as well as the telling of many family stories. As Ruth always did with her pursuits, she continued to learn new ways to present those memories and how to include as much as she thought necessary. Those scrapbooks and her family's history work will be an ongoing source of enjoyment, information and answers. Ruth always seemed to fill her hours each day. Both Ruth and Bruce instilled in their children the value of work; mostly through their own strong work ethic. She took pride in seeing a job well done. She is survived by husband :Bruce, children: Brett (Linda), Cathy (Bob), Colleen (Dick) and Kelly (Deb). Grandchildren: Kelsey, Holly; Kyla(Dennis), Daniel (Robyn); Jim, Matt; Katelyn(Jason), Courtney, Kelsey. Great grandchildren: Maddax, Leighton; Jasper; Tripp. Predeceased by: older sister in infancy, younger sister Margaret and parents: William and Lilian Keir. The family would like to thank everyone for their support during Mum's illness. A graveside service was held at Minnewawa Cemetery on July 12, 2014 with Rev. Harvey Hurren officiating. Donations may be made in Ruth's memory to Canadian Diabetes Association, A1, 800 Rosser Avenue Brandon, MB R7A 6N5 or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, #3, 824 18th Street Brandon, MB R7A 5B7. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements with Memories Chapel &Pre-Planning Centre, 204-727-0330.

As published in Brandon Sun on Jul 19, 2014