Ruth Bernice Grant

Ruth B. Grant of Pembroke Ontario, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, on Tuesday, November 26th, 2024 at the age of 95 years. 

Daughter of the late William and Alma Grant (nee Pinkney), Ruth was predeceased by her cherished sister, Edna M. Rickers and brother-in-law, Douglas Stanley Rickers, both of Guelph. She was the loving aunt of William ‘Bill’ Grant Rickers (Carolyn Swanwick) of St. Catharines, Ontario; Donald Stanley Rickers (Anne Dradon-Cox), now residing in Waterloo, Belgium; Karen Ruth Rickers of Drummond, New Brunswick; and Douglas ‘Blair’ Rickers (Cheryl) of Guelph. Ruth also took great joy in her great and great-great nieces and nephews: Kate & Joel Hannigan, and their children Charlotte, Clara & Calvin; Parry Rickers (Ben); Jack Rickers (Paige) and Payton Rickers (Noah); and honourary great-great nephew, Silas. 

Born in Walkerton, Ontario on July 13, 1929, Ruth spent a happy childhood on her family’s farm before attending and graduating from the Owen Sound General & Marine School of Nursing in 1950. Her career as a nurse began in Owen Sound, but soon took her to Calgary, Alberta and Prince Rupert, British Columbia before bringing her to Pembroke, where she was Head Nurse – Obstetrics at the Cottage Hospital from 1954-1963. In 1963, she became Director of Nursing at the Pembroke Civic Hospital, a post she held until 1991. 

While in Pembroke, Ruth involved herself in the community, always using her common sense and strength of will to leave things better than she found them. At various times, she was: President of the Pembroke Historical Society; President of the Pembroke Community Choir; President of the Alexandra Club of Pembroke; President of the UCW; and a Board Member (and avid curler!) at the Pembroke Curling Rink. As President of the Pembroke Musical Society, her involvement extended far beyond administration, as she took leading roles in a number of productions, playing the Fairy Queen in Gilbert & Sullivan’s Iolanthe, and ‘poor little’ Buttercup in HMS Pinafore, to name only two. 

An active member of Wesley United Church, she loved singing in the choir … something she had done at various churches since the age of 12. And an able pianist, Ruth took great joy in later years in playing before dinner for her fellow residents at Supples Landing. 

Friends will also remember Ruth’s love of travel! With many friends, and later with her sister and brother-in-law, Ruth visited many places of wonder: she toured the Holy Land, enjoyed the beauty of Europe, and was familiar with most ports of call in the British Isles. 

While saddened by her loss, Ruth’s family is thankful, knowing that she lived a full, rich and meaningful life. 

Ruth’s family are grateful for the wonderful care and support that Ruth received while residing at Supples Landing Retirement Residence in Pembroke, and for the special care and support provided by family friend, Karen McEwen. 

A Celebration of Life in Pembroke and an Interment of ashes in the family plot at Greenwood Cemetery in Owen Sound will take place at a later date. 

Donations in Ruth’s memory may be made to a charity of your choice. 

Arrangements entrusted to the Malcolm, Deavitt & Binhammer Funeral Home, Pembroke ON.