Ruth Annette Barr

Ruth was born January 20th, 1922, the 6th of 7 children to Kristian Rud of Norway and Marie Carbol of Sweden. She is predeceased by her beloved husband Douglas Beatty Barr (December 21, 2013) and siblings Chester, Hilmer, Melvin, Mabel Schneck, Einer, and Lillian Schneck. She is survived by her sister in law, Myrna Rud of Abbotsford B C. along with many nieces and nephews.

Her children will dearly miss her at our family gatherings and eloquent graces at the dinner table: Marilyn and Jim Neufeld; James and Joanne Barr; and Glenn and Sandi Barr, all of Kelowna.

Grandma Ruth holds a special place in the hearts of her grandchildren: Blain Neufeld and Jo-Anne McLeod of Toronto; Brendan Neufeld of Toronto; Travis and Melissa Barr of Lake Country; Philippe and Catherine Lapointe of Vancouver and Kamloops.

Ruth was born in Wetaskiwin, Alberta where she spent her early years in the Scandinavian Wang District, until 1935 when the family moved back to their 1909 homestead in Amisk. Many years later, Doug and Ruth purchased a business in Amisk, returning to re-establish her strong roots with family and friends.

During World War ll Ruth moved to Edmonton to work on repairs to Avro Lancasters. She met Douglas and they married in Winnipeg after the war. After a year in Toronto, they wanted to be closer to their extended family so they moved back to Edmonton where they raised their children. Over the years their growing family enjoyed many road trips, fishing, camping, sports, and family gatherings in Wetaskiwin or Amisk.

Ruth was always eager to travel whether it be to family in Calgary, Victoria, Vancouver, Kelowna or extended annual London visits to the Neufeld cottage on Lake Huron. She brought much enjoyment to all and we welcomed her warm smile, good humour and excellent culinary skills. Well into her 90’s, Ruth loved to go on cruises to Alaska, the Caribbean and California.

Ruth had a passion for painting with acrylics. One of her last was entitled “You can take the girl out of the prairie, but you can’t take the prairie out of the girl”.

Big sky, big heart, we love you Mom, you will always be a part of our lives.

Ruth resided at Blue Heron Villa in Lake Country for the past 14 years where she had a calm, respectful presence and a sense of humour that endeared her to the staff.

Due to Covid regulations a private small family celebration of life will be held with private internment in Lakeview Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Lake Country, BC.

In memory of Ruth, a donation to your charity of choice is welcome.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.valleyviewfuneralhome.com for the Barr family.