Peacefully with her family by her side on Saturday, November 23, 2019. Beloved wife of Stu for 50 years. Devoted mother of Julie and Jon, and Dustin and Lori. Loving grandmother of Alex and Ayla. Dear sister and sister-in-law of Shirley and Geoff, Doug and Joan, David and Susan, Steve and Jane, Eugene and Marcia, and Becky and Gene, Edith, Mildred, and Elizabeth.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at the Knox Presbyterian Church, 9 Victoria Street North, Goderich on Monday, December 2nd at 1:30 PM, with Rev. Amanda Bisson officiating. Cremation with interment Bluewater Bronson Line Public Cemetery, Zurich.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Huron Residential Hospice, Clinton, or Jessica’s House, Exeter. Haskett Funeral Home, ZURICH (519-236-4365) entrusted with arrangements.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Harry & Judy Cieslar
Stu & family. We were so very sorry to learn of Ruth Ann’s death. She wilbe so missed by so many. We worked together way back in Emergency days at AM&G. You will miss her so very much . We hope you are able to find the comfort you need.
With sympathy, Harry & Judy Cieslar
Shelley McPhee Haist
I was so sorry to hear of Ruth Anne’s passing. She was a courageous fighter and I will always remember her smile, her love of music and what an excellent nurse she was. My deepest condolences.
Bryan & Colleen Gingerich
Dear Stu, Julie and Dustin. Ruth Ann was like a second mom to me especially before you guys came along ( Julie and Dustin). She always made me feel like family. She was special- that’s for sure! Was thinking of you all through-out the day today ( Dec. 2)
Bryan
Stephen Dolson and Karen Galbraith
So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family as you move through this journey. She will be missed but not forgotten. You both were such pillars in your community and Gay Lea family.
Darlene Mckee (Matts mum)
To Dustin Stu and Julie in my thoughts and knowing how she so loved you the hardest thing for her must have been to leave you. I saw that in knowing her and sharing things about our kids the only thing she wanted was for you to be happy and loved. The memories of her laughter and living life to the fullest will live on forever.
Mervin Steckle
Stu and Family. So sorry to hear of Ruth Ann,s passing I am sure she will be missed by many . We just want you to know that even though we can not make it to the service that our thoughts and prayers are with at this time.
Merv and Angie
R Duncan Sissing
Sorry for your loss
Joe and Anna Causi
Our condolences Stu. We did not spend a lot of time together with you and Ruth Ann but do have very fond memories of those times. Ruth Ann was a gentle, kind lady. She always made us feel welcome. We recall those days so long ago when we toured with the Gay Lea directors. We shared laughter and enjoyed so many meals together.
Stu your life will be different without Ruth Ann but your memories will keep you going. I know that Ruth Ann would want you to be strong and go on with life as if she was still by your side.
Rest in peace Ruth Ann. You will be missed by family and friends.
Al & Sharon Brokenshire
Stu and your family, so sad to hear of the passing of Ruthanne, cherish your memories
Al & Sharon Brokenshire
James Armstrong
Stu and family.
So sad to hear of Ruth Ann’s passing.
Ruth Ann was a lovely lady and a big part of the Bronson Line! I will miss seeing her in the Knox Goderich choir !
Please accept my thoughts and Condolences at this time .
James and family
Cynthia
Dear Stu & Family – Sending our love… thinking of you.
Hugs xo
Cynthia Persaud & Family
Brian and Helen Oldfield
Stu and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Sending our sincere condolences at this difficult time.
Andrew MacGillivray
Stu, Julie, Dustin and family,
We have all been blessed to have known Ruth Ann and to have witnessed the love she shared with each of you. Her bright and loving spirit lives on with Stu and in her children and grand-children.
Our sympathy and prayers are with you in this time of great loss.
Sincerely,
Andy MacGillivray and Bonnie Williams
Angie Dunn
Stu and family,
Sending our condolences hearing about Ruth Ann’s passing. Her smile was infectious and lit up any room she walked into. I have fond memories of working with her and she truly was an amazing nurse.
Please know you are in our thoughts during this difficult time.
Wayne and Angie Dunn
Daniel Thomas & Saji
Dear Stu & family,
Our sincere sympathy in the loss of Ruth Ann, who was a wonderful, loving wife, mother & grandmother. We have met her only on four occasions but We experienced her warm, friendly& caring nature, each time we met her. May The Lord strengthen you with the hope & peace He has given in Him. She is with the One who she loved though here on earth she will be greatly missed.
Thomas & Saji
Ron & June Corriveau
Stu and family: We are very sorry to hear that Ruth Ann has passed away. Our sincere sympathy to you and your family at this diificult time. She was such fun person to be around at the Doctor’s office or at other social events.
Our thoughts are with you.
Ron & June
Kristian Bauer
Dear Stu, Julie, Dustin and family
Our deepest condolences.
Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Love Taryn Kentner and Kristian Bauer
Michael and Maureen Barrett
How can one even begin to express the sene of utter loss when one of the best leaves us? Ruth Ann was an individual who cared most about others, gave the gift of time and friendship freely and often, was not afraid to express an opinion but always had a willing shoulder for others, and never failed on her journey in faith nor her belief in people. Family was the most important gift to her, and she made people part of her family so she could envelope them in kindness, compassion and care. She was by far the best friend of Stu, and Stu always knew he had the best and was never afraid to let everyone know it, amongst them, Ruth Ann. Ruth Ann was loved. Julie and Dustin were gifts, her grandchildren a culmination of love, and Jan and Lori were enveloped in complete acceptance, warmth and love. Ruth Ann will be sorely missed, but love does not end, it never ends, and her gifts will always be there for us to remember, open and relive…every day.
Brenda & Rick Schott
Brenda and Rick Schott
We are so very sorry that you have lost lovely Ruth Ann: wife, mom, and grandma. We think we have an understanding of what a heart-breaking loss her passing is for you.
We will always smile as we remember how her eyes lit up so and her heart nearly burst with love and affection when we could prompt her to tell us stories about her Stu, and Julie and Dustin, and precious Alex and Ayla.
Those moments always came after she had so thoughtfully asked after everyone’s else’s well being. Our always thoughtful and caring and sincere, Ruth Ann. We could never go home without a little gift from Ruth Ann, and we cherish the gifts she and Ayla made for us.
She will be so missed by her Chesley Lake family.
Joe & Elaine Gray
Stu & Family.
Our deepest sympathy for your loss of Ruth Ann. She was a fantastic lady, with a very warm smile. I have many fond memories of you two at our Gay Lea Foods Co-op’s events over the years. Ruth Ann is now in a better place, with no pain. She did her best to fight it for many, many years. An amazing women. I am sorry we can not attend the celebration of her life. I have an appointment that I can not change. God bless the Steckle Family.
Elaine & Joe Gray
Rosemary Beange
Dear Stu and family,
Our sincere condolences to you on the passing of Ruth Anne.
I worked with her at the Psychiatric hospital and she was always pleasant, upbeat and
a pleasure to be around. Hold on to your memories and hold them close to your heart.
She will be missed by family and friends.
Allan & Rosemary Beange
Doreen McConnell
Dear Stu and Family
Dave and I are deeply sorry about the loss of Ruth Ann. She was truly a wonderful and kind person. I know she’ll be missed.
Caring thoughts are with you and your family.
Doreen and Dave McConnell
Jack and Shelley Bender
Stu, Dustin, Julie and families-we are so terribly sorry to hear of Ruth’s passing. We have so many fond memories of being your neighbour or cheering on our boys at hockey. Please know that our thoughts are with you and we will pray for your memories of such a kind, cheerful, loving wife and Mom to sustain you and bring you some peace.
Nancy & Carl Suchard
We miss seeing Ruth Ann with you in the choir loft but know she is at peace in her new Heavenly Home. Our prayers are with you and family through all this trying time. Yours in Christ – Carl and Nancy Suchard
Doug Jamieson
Stu and family. Deepest sympathy on Ruth Ann’s passing . Her long, hard-fought battle is over now and she can rest Praying that God will give you all His peace at this difficult time.
Charles and Elaine MacDaid
The Steckle Family, We were saddened to hear of Ruth Anns’ passing . Elaine and I enjoyed her bright ,cheery way and remember the many occasions we spent in her company. Our condolences to Stuart and family over their loss. We will remember her. Charles and Elaine
Robert & Judith McCartney
Stu and family. It is with great sadness that we heard of the passing of Ruth Ann. We send you our sincere condolences. Ruth Ann was such a kind and loving lady. We will both really miss her.
Sandra DeCorte
Stu and family,
I was so saddened to hear the news of Ruth Anne’s passing.
I had the privilege to work closely with her at CCAC . She was a wonderful person, caring, kind and patient. She touched the lives of so many and will be greatly missed.
My deepest sympathies to you and your family during this difficult time.
Ray & Evelyn Robertson
Dear Stu & Family
We are deeply saddened to here of Ruth Ann’s passing.
We have so many great memories of our times together during our many years on the Board with Gay Lea Foods Dairy Co-operative.
RuthAnn was always so enthusiastic , caring and a great friend. She has touched the hearts of many people during her lifetime and has been a blessing to all.
May your cherished memories ease the pain at this difficult time.
Unfortunately we are unable to attend the celebration of life as Ray has just had major shoulder surgery, but our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Most sincerely
Ray & Ev
Linda Street
Oh Stu, I was so sorry to hear about Ruth Ann’s passing! She was always a source of entertainment for me in the BFS. And then it continued in KCC.
She would always ask about my son and bring little things for him for his birthday, Christmas, Easter, etc, etc. She would then fill me in regarding your grandchildren’s adventures.
We will miss her stories, her sense of humour, her love of music and just her love of life!
Linda, Eric & Parker
Les and Vicky Hammell
Stu, our sincere sympathy on the passing of Ruth Ann. We had some good times travelling with you two. May you keep your fond memories tucked in your heart.
Doug and Lois Thiel
Sincere sympathy to Stu and all of Ruth Ann’s family. Have made lots of trips out to the farm over the years.Have always considered Stu and Ruth Ann as good friends.May many happy memories of time together sustain all of you at this time and in days ahead.–Lois and Doug.
Jenna Prouse
To the Steckle family,
I had the privilege to work closely with Ruth Anne in her CCAC days. She truly was a wonderful person and cared deeply for those close to her. She taught me the beauty in rainbows and to always count your blessings. Deepest sympathies and thoughts and prayers to her family and friends.
Mary & Bruno Lapaine
We had such wonderful involvment with Ruth Ann at Drs. Thomson and Walker’s office and then we reconnected at CCAC. Our sincere sympathy to your family.
Laina Novak
Dear Stu and All Family Members ~
Although I haven’t seen Ruth Ann for more than 50 years, I have many fond memories of my second cousin. Our fathers (Clayton and Alvin) were first cousins and our mothers (Mary Ann and Rosetta) were both in Stratford General Hospital at the same time delivering two healthy baby girls. Ruth Ann was born on November 12th, 1948 and I was born the following day, November 13th. As young children, we quite often celebrated our birthdays together, either at their family farm or at ours and our families had many other occasions to visit each other. I always looked forward to these special times with the Bender Family. We also used to talk about the fact that Prince Charles was born one day after me on November 14th and somehow as little girls, that somehow really impressed us that our birthdays were all so close together.
When we reached high school at Waterloo Oxford District School and both became involved in the Glee Club and various Gilbert and Sullivan Operetta productions, to my absolute delight, we all discovered the amazingly talented voice that was Ruth Ann’s. She always got the leading role. I was in awe. I was in the chorus. She sang like an angel and I was so proud to say she was my cousin.
It saddens me to know all the suffering Ruth Ann endured over the years. That pain is now over. Rest in peace dear Ruth Ann.
with love to all,
Laina Novak (Elaine Ramseyer)
Brian and Carol Ashford
Stuart and family: So very sorry to hear this sad, sad news . Remembering all the good times with you and Ruth Ann…the trips, meetings and dinners. RuthAnn was a very special person and a delight to know. Always upbeat. Our thoughts are with you and yours. God Bless….. Brian and Carol
Jeff & Val Leis
Stu, Julie and Dustin
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers at this time.
Don & Charlene Oesch
Stu and family. We were truly saddened to hear of Ruth Ann’s passing. It was a true pleasure to have known her. Please know we are thinking of you and our prayers are with all of you.
Don & Charlene
Carl & Marlene Schlegel
Dear Stu and Family,
Our sincere sympathy to all of you in the loss of RuthAnn.
Our hearts are heavy as we remember a dear and precious friend. We are so thankful for many fond memories….her warm smile, bubbly laughter, always her concern for others….she was truly an inspiration to many.
Grateful she is now resting in God’s loving arms and is pain free.
“Heaven’s choir has gained a beautiful soprano voice”
May Gods peace comfort you,
Love and prayers,
Carl and Marlene Schlegel????
Mary Lou Erb
In this time of loss, praying you’ll know the comfort of the Lords loving presence
With deepest sympathy
Love and prayers ,
Mary Lou Erb
Harv & Evelyn Vincent
Stu, Julie, Dustin and families.
Sincere sympathy in your great loss. Ruth Ann was a very talented lady. Trust that knowing she is free from pain and home in heaven, helps bring peace. Praying for each of you
Glen and Donna Greb
Stu and family So sad to hear the news of Ruth Ann’s passing. Please accept our sincerest condolences. Glen and Donna.
Clarence Rau
Stu and family my deepest sympathy in the loss of Ruth Ann. What a wonderful person she was she will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Cecelia Denomme
Dear Ruth Ann’s family – you are in my special thoughts – with sympathy and sadness-
With special remembrance of Ruth Ann – a great nurse – and a beautiful person to know.
Sincerely – Cecelia Denomme
Johanna Steegstra
To the family of Ruth Ann Steckle ,
My sincere condolences to you all in the loss of this beautiful lady. She was an amazing nurse and a loyal friend.
Blessings and peace to you all.
Johanna Steegstra
Thomas Beeler
Dear Stu and family,
We are very sorry to hear about the passing of Ruth Ann and we extend our deepest sympathy for you and your family! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very sad time.
Thomas & Vreni Beeler
Nancy Walker
So sorry to hear of Ruth Ann’s passing. I enjoyed working with Ruth Ann at the CCAC office in Seaforth. She was always so supportive of me and others. Heaven has gained a special Angel. ❤
Donna Crawford
I was so shocked to hear about Ruthann, she always loved to amuse everyone at Choir Practice and also on Sunday morning.
She loved her cottage at Chesley Lake and always happy to go there even in the winter on a snowy Winter Sunday afternoon, everyone she touched will miss her.
My sincere sympathy to Stu and the family.
Donna Crawford, fellow choir member at Knox Goderich.
Bill & Gloria Wettlaufer
To Stu and Family: Our hearts are saddened by the passing of RuthAnn – a very long and loyal friend. At the same time we rejoice with her as she is now free from her health struggles which have had a hold on her for a long time – and she fought long and hard. We as a family have been blessed with many wonderful memories of times spent together that will be cherished forever. Our prayer is that God will continue to grant you all renewed strength and courage for each new day. God Bless! Love You Lots – Bill& Gloria & family.
Arnie and Bev Martin
Stu, Julie, Dustin and families
I’m sorry for all of you in your incredibly great loss. I’m sure your hearts are broken with grief, yet the suffering has finally ended for her. May God’s peace comfort your hearts through this time.
Keltie MacNeill-Keller
I am so sorry to hear of Ruth Ann’s passing. I was lucky to have worked closely with her for several years at CCAC. She loved to talk about her dear family and was always interested in hearing about my family’s latest exploits. She was so willing to listen and give thoughtful advice when asked. I have only the fondest memories of our time together. Love to her family at this difficult time.
Shirley Ferron
Dear Stu, Julie, Dustin and families!
Please know you are all in our hearts and prayers at this very difficult time of grief and loss! It saddens our hearts too as we think of RuthAnn’s positive and bubbly personality, her example of strength and encouragement to others, and her love of family and friends…..these memories will remain with us always!
RuthAnn was an exceptional nurse …and our experiences with her as part of the Graduatin Class of ’69…range from the hilarious in Residence life to the most professional in the Hospital Working Environment! Our Class missed her physical presence at our 50th Nurse’s Reunion this summer but we shared telephone conversation and sent cards knowing her spiritual presence was with us! We are thankful to have shared her life and now we are thankful she is with the One she had Hope and Faith in …The One Who Welcomed her with Loving Arms …into a precious, pain free, peaceful, perfect, existence forever! ????
Love, Hugs, and Blessings!
Shirley Ferron
On behalf of ” The Class of ’69 Stratford General Hospital”
Jamie and Giannina Leach
Stu,Julie ,Dustin and families Sorry to hear about your loss.We all are thinking of you at this hard time.We wiil miss Ruth anns soft ,friendly voice at the cottage.Hang onto each other as you remember your fantastic wife and Mom. Jamie,GIannina,Christine and Matthew
Eleanor Devereaux
Dear Stu & family,
May your memories dry your tears…
May your stories fill your hearts,
And your family get togethers of remembrance bring laughter back to your homes.
She is never gone if remembered often, stories told and loved shared between all.
I had the pleasure of working with Ruth Ann and we shared many laughs. She was fun, witty and a pleasure to be around. Ruth Ann often talked about her beautiful grandchildren and how she was so proud of them.
God Bless.
Eleanor Devereaux
Donna O'Brien
Dear Stu and family
I was saddened to learn of Ruth Ann’s passing , she truly was a sweet,dear girl ! I know she has left you with a multitude of happy memories and I know they will be of a great solace to all of you in the sad days ahead ! Please accept my sincerest sympathy ! May God bless each of you !!!!!
Hugs,Donna
Doug and Joyce McBeath
Our sympathy and prayers go out to Stu and family on your loss.
Doug and Sharon Kyle
Stu, Julie and Dustin,
We are so saddened to learn of Ruth Ann’s passing. Heaven has gained another angel. Our sincere sympathy to all of you. You were so lucky to have her in your lives. Her smile will always be remembered. She sang at our wedding service. A lovely lady!!
We will be thinking of you and keeping you in our thoughts and prayers in the days ahead.
Sincerely, Doug and Sharon Kyle
Alan and Donalda Fisher
Stu and family
Our sincere sympathy in your loss of Ruth Ann. She will be missed by many. She was a very special person who always made you feel special. Cherish the good memories as they last forever. We will not be able to attend the service as we are out west at our daughters. Will be thinking of you on the 2nd and will have our own quiet time to remember Ruth Ann.
Alan and Donnie
Emily & Carson Milley & Family
We have lost one of our good ones, but, heaven has gained an angel. I know now she is in Gods arms and is no longer suffering.
It broke our heart to hear her passing. We will miss her smiling face on Sundays and all her hugs. She was always so good to our family. I will miss her terribly. All my thoughts and prayers are with her family at this difficult time.
Lynne Haughton (Hern)
Stu, Julie , Dustin and families.
This broke my heart to hear.
I have many good memories of times spent at your house and at church with you all.
Ruth Ann always made me feel like I was special and loved. Her hugs were the best!!
Her laugh was contagious.
Please know I am sending strength to you to help in the days ahead as you grieve the loss of this very special lady!
She was loved and will be missed!
Lynne, Aldane, Jordann, Abbi , Cameron, Jason and Jericho