Obituary of Ruth Alice Squires

Ruth Alice Squires

On May 7, 2021, at the age of 91, the Lord called home to Himself our dear loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, great-aunt, and friend.

Born March 26, 1930 in what was then East York Township, Ruth grew up with her parents William & Margaret and three older siblings (William (Barbara), Ray (Lucy), and Margaret (Murray)) on a gladiolus farm. Her father named one gladiolus hybrid Ruth Alice after his faithful student and helper. Her love of growing things never left her.

Ruth was always independent and enjoying adventures, and we learned recently that she left school for work without telling her parents until after her first paycheque had arrived.

Married to her first husband, Francis Martin Sissons †, in 1951, they welcomed three children in Bowmanville: Martin † (Coreen), Beth, and Jonathan (Pam).

After separating in 1967, Ruth moved to Ottawa where she returned to work and school, finishing her high school diploma and supporting her family. She taught typing, worked from home typing many student theses and the occasional book, took in boarders, and enjoyed a long career at Environment Canada. After retirement, she moved to Peterborough, and more recently, back to Bowmanville.

As the years passed the family grew, with grandchildren Jonathan †, Christopher (Stephanie), Rachel, and Zachariah added, and most recently, great-grandson Gideon. Family gatherings were memorable affairs, with much hilarity and wit, and Ruth often drew her friends in to share the festivities.

Always active and generous, her dinners (in and out) were numerous. She remained an excellent driver, preferring the vistas of back roads (knowing all of them) over the boring view of highways. She discovered many interesting eateries and out-of-the-way shops that sold unique foods along the way, which she then enjoyed introducing to others.

Both indoor and outdoor renovations remained of great interest throughout her life -- from hauling rocks back in Bowmanville and railroad ties in Peterborough, to removing (and replacing) multiple walls, adding porches and rooms, flooring, painting, and making many rooms “look bigger”. Much of this diverse work she accomplished herself. Her gardens were artful, with abundant planning and the legendary “Big Red” geraniums moving from place to place (from 150-year-old root stock).

Her abilities with Scrabble and Boggle made lesser mortals nervous, and she enjoyed playing online games (and making friends) around the country even into her 80s.

Ruth has blessed many over the years with her kindness and hospitality, and we thank God for the many gifts that came from her loving hands, including beautiful gardens, numerous pieces of clothing, wonderfully crafted activity books, and gorgeous afghans for family and friends. We are also thankful for the witness she gave of her faith in the Lord, and her desire to see her Saviour face to face.

A Family Funeral Service is planned at NORTHCUTT ELLIOTT FUNERAL HOME, 53 Division St. N. Bowmanville for Saturday, May 15, 2021 at 1:30 PM. A memorial service is planned for when larger gatherings are possible. 

Those wishing to view the service virtually at 1:30 pm, please follow the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpVRvBzAcl8