The family of Ruth Richardson is very sad to announce her passing on December 12, 2022 at Agecare Columbia in Lethbridge at the age of 87. Ruth battled health challenges over the last few years, but age and Dialysis ultimately took their toll.
Ruth has been laid to rest beside her husband George. A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, June 24, 2023 at 1:30 pm at the Vulcan Culture & Recreation Centre (504-4 Ave S).
Ruth Evelyn Richardson (née Wylie) was born October 31, 1935 in the Vulcan hospital to William and Mary Wylie. She was the oldest of six children and sister to five brothers. She attended Twin Coulee and Boyne schools until they closed and then Alston school. In 1945 the family moved into Vulcan where she completed her schooling. When she was young she did a lot of babysitting and house cleaning on Saturdays and worked at Fleming grocery as a clerk one summer. She worked off and on for AGT as an operator from 1952 until 1964 when the switchboard was automated. The following Monday she started a short term job at Mitchell’s Pharmacy that ended up lasting 20 years until she retired in June of 1984.
On March18th, 1953 she married George Richardson who had caught her eye working at the dealership across the alley from her family home. From 1956 to 1957 they lived in Lethbridge where George managed R&G North Star Service station. After that they moved back to Vulcan where George again worked with his brothers Bill and Lawrence at Richardson and Gould (which had been started in Nanton) until the business was sold in 1976. George continued to work at Vulcan Motor Products and then Gerry Wood’s Chev Olds until 1984 when the dealership was closed. Mom and dad moved to Airdrie where dad was office manager at Airdrie Pontiac Buick and later Village Honda (where he rejoined the Gerry Wood Automotive Group) in Calgary until he retired in 1994, and they then moved back to Vulcan.
Over the years Mom volunteered with a number of local organizations which included the Order of the Royal Purple, Lionettes, Cub Scouts and the United Church Women’s Group.
In 1974 they started spending part of their winters in Mesa, AZ where they made many friends. Ruth continued to go to Mesa for many years after George passed away in 2001. When Ruth’s kidneys failed, she moved to Lethbridge in 2017 to be closer to the Dialysis Unit.
Ruth is survived by her son Bill (Mary Pat), Grandchildren Jennifer (Tim) Rinehart, Tom (Giselle Conteras), Lauren (Manny) Omo, Great-Grandchildren Alexis & Ethan Rinehart, Landon & Logan Omo, all of Lancaster, CA, son Wes (Deana) of Calgary, brothers Bill (Mary Ann), Tom (Vivian), Ted (Sharlaine) Wylie and many nieces and nephews. Ruth was predeceased by her parents Bill & Mary Wylie, brothers Jerry & Pat Wylie, infant son John and her beloved husband George. Ruth was also predeceased by all of George’s siblings and their spouses.
The family would like to thank all of her friends and extended family members, all of whom held a special place in her heart. Words cannot express our appreciation for all you’ve done for her over the years. A special thanks also goes out to Jennifer Gore & BJ Milman for all their care & support over the years in Lethbridge.
The family would also like to thank Dr. Morley Wong and the staff at Chinook Regional Dialysis Unit, and the staff at Agecare Columbia, all of whom gave Ruth excellent care.
In lieu of flowers, Ruth requested donations be made to either the Vulcan United Church (Box 278 Vulcan, AB T0L 2B0) or Vulcan Healthcare Auxiliary Box 299, Vulcan, AB T0L 2B0 or etransfer, vhcaux@hotmail.com.
Funeral arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home telephone 403-485-2633 e-condolences to www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca we remember.
Condolences to the family, thinking of you all.
Bill and Sharon Schmeelke
From the first day we met your parents when Pat started at the Vulcan dealership and the years in Airdrie we loved and treasured or time and memories. From camping to just sitting around having a few drinks. When something came up Ruth was always there with just the right words or quick to jump in for a trip to the city. We send lots of love and hugs to all of you. I will miss our phone visits and updates on all of you. She loved you all so very much.
Carrie and Pat Kinahan
I have fond memories of Ruth during my time working at Mitchell’s pharmacy during High School. She was such fun to be around. So appreciated Ruth and George’s hospitality when we partied in their basement throughout high school. Much fun was had by all who attended. Charlie and Wes, may the huge hole in your heart be filled with endless memories of both parents to share with your family.
A lady I will never forget!!!! What a lady she was and a friend of everyone. I visited with her a Jerrys service and of course she had to call me Ronnie!!!! She new how to push the right buttons and of course never to be forgotten… Ron Barnes
We did get to have a few visits with Ruth over the last year or so. She brought back memories to me when I (Keith) was a kid visiting their home. We will miss her visits. She was a great lady.
Keith and Barb
I had the opportunity to get to know Ruth during my time in the recreation department at AgeCare Columbia. Ruth was such a spitfire & never hesitated to speak her mind. I enjoyed our countless conversations about anything and everything, as well as our weekly Women’s Group tea breaks. During my time at AgeCare, we referred to her as one of ‘the golden girls’ as there as a group of very tightly knit women. She will be greatly missed & my thoughts go out to her family. What a pleasure it was to know Ruth!
So very sorry to hear this news.
It was good to catch up with Ruth at Jerry’s service.
We had some fun times working at Mitchell’s Drug Store.
My sincere condolences to all of Ruth’s family.
Our condolences to all the family. She was a neat lady. Sincerely Frank and Agnes McInenly and family
My sincere sympathy goes out to Wes and Deana, and all members of The Richardson Family at this sad time. Ruth was a lovely lady … a real sweetheart … and she will be missed by so many of us!