Ruth Johanna Thudium

The family of Ruth Thudium sadly announces her peaceful passing on Wednesday, November 16, 2022 in Airdrie, Alberta. Ruth will be remembered by her children Rolf (Linda) and Heidi (Ruf) McCaig May; grandchildren Calvin (Donnalee), Tonia (Devan), Amanda (Roy), Tracy, Laurie (Ellery), and Clifford (Nancy); great-grandchildren Brady (Bryanne), Dylan (Brooklyn), Chase, Hunter, Brettan, Rowan, Hannah, Brooke, Jack and Kipling; her sister Margot van der Laag, brother-in-law Rudi and great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Ruth was pre-deceased by her husband Wilhelm, son-in-law Dale and grandson Tom.

Ruth was born in Hanau/Main, Germany to Emil and Emilie Kirchner. Ruth lived with her mother and sister Margot after her father passed away at a young age. After completing her education, she apprenticed to be a homemaker in the house of a local family. In August 1945, she married Wilhelm Thudium. Despite the scarcity of supplies, Ruth was married in a silk gown that she sewed herself. As she walked through their small town, many people commented on her striking dark hair and white dress and called her “Snow White”.

Wilhelm immigrated to Canada in 1954 and Ruth followed in 1955 with their two children, Rolf and Heidi. It was a long, arduous journey that began with a ship ride to Halifax and ended with a cross-country train ride to Calgary in freezing temperatures. Ruth and Wilhelm worked together to build their forever home in Calgary and later a cabin in Fairmont. Ruth got a job at the Bank of Nova Scotia in downtown Calgary where she quickly learned English.

Ruth was a wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother, sister, mother-in-law, Tante Ruth, and a friend to many. She and Wilhelm were married for 63 years before he passed away in 2008. Ruth cherished her role as Oma to all in her family.

Ruth enjoyed spending time at their cabin in Fairmont, knitting, sewing, bowling, cooking, baking (her specialties being Christmas Stollen and Black Forest Cake) and spending time with her family. She took great pride in her appearance and made beautiful clothes for herself and others. She also lovingly knitted numerous afghans, sweaters, scarves, socks, toques, mittens and baby clothing. At 98 years young, she was still helping Heidi knit an afghan for her grandson Cliff!!

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Children’s Hospital at https://www.childrenshospital.ab.ca/ or Canadian National Institute for the Blind at https://www.cnib.ca/en?region=on.