Ruth Klassen

Ruth Klassen was born in the southern Manitoba town now known as Rosetown (known as Rosenort then) on September 24, 1930 to Jacob and Anna Gerbrandt. Due to circumstances during the next decade or so, her family moved around a fair bit but, eventually, settled in Steinbach where she graduated from grade eight or nine.

Ruth struggled with health during much of her youth with Scarlet and Rheumatic fever but was intelligent and good at schoolwork (and was very dedicated to scripture memorization). As a young teen, she moved to southern Ontario to work in the canneries to help with the family income. She eventually moved to Winnipeg and worked as a domestic and in a sewing factory for a period of time. She eventually found employment at Christie Biscuits and worked there in different roles over several years. She was very industrious during this time, cooking on a small heat plate in her tiny apartment and sewing some of her clothes, which she never really enjoyed but, like everything she did, this too was done with detail. She would also knit socks for Christmas presents for her brothers and brothers-in-laws.

While in Winnipeg, Ruth was baptized on confession of her faith at Bethel Mennonite Church. She was engaged to Bill Klassen on February 14, 1954 and was married on August 28, 1954. She had a lovely white wedding dress and was very happy with the glass cabinet her father had made that has held her wedding cake top ever since.

Together, Ruth and Bill moved quite often as different jobs provided different opportunities. Over the next 11 years, they were blessed with three children, Robert (1957), James (1961), and Deanna (1965). In 1972, the family moved to a new house on the farm in Oak Bluff and Ruth finally had fulfilled the dream to settle down. She was happy in her kitchen and her garden - where she produced most of the food for the family for the entire year. Her bread and soup (and basically everything she cooked and baked) was the delight of all who visited. Upon retirement in 1985, the couple, now “empty nesters” moved to Abbotsford, BC and settled into the perfect house - a beautiful rancher with a view of the prairie and Mount Baker. Ruth was very happy there as well. She was able to live in this home for 30 years - which was a new record for her. Bill and Ruth enjoyed and were honoured being deacons at South Abbotsford MB Church. Ruth continued on for many years being part of the prayer ministry at the church.

After a brave battle with cancer, Bill went to be with the Lord in 1992 and Ruth continued to keep their home warm and welcoming for all - especially her children and grandchildren. Eventually Ruth’s mobility challenges made living in such a big home to much of a struggle so she moved to a nice little apartment at Primrose Gardens at Menno Place in 2015. While she never really felt this was “home”, she was very content and enjoyed many special Friday suppers with family and special occasions - food was usually involved. Her green thumb remained evident as flowers and plants thrived by her window.

In March, 2021, Ruth’s health took a turn for the worse and she needed to move to higher care. The available spot was at Tabor Home where, beginning in May, she spent the remaining days of her life. She was always content and caring to all who attended to her and her thoughtfulness was always noticed but she knew in her heart that this would be “temporary” and it surely was. Ruth went home peacefully at 1:30 on SUNDAY, November 21, 2021. We celebrate her life as a “life well-loved”.

Ruth was predeceased by her husband Bill, her mother and father, three brothers and three sisters and many loved in-laws. She leaves to grieve her three children, Robert (Rachel), James (Lori), and Deanna, her grandchildren, Josiah, Micah, and Dakota in BC and Leah, Serena, and Joseph in Manitoba, along with two sisters, Mary Funk in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and Ella Reimer in Crystal City, Manitoba, brother-in-law Ike Klassen (Alvina), and sisters-in-law Anne Affleck and Helena Reddekopp along with many nieces and nephews. She will also be missed by her dear cousin, Margaret Klassen in Winkler, Manitoba.

Ruth was a quiet and stately lady who was never full of herself and was always giving and thoughtful. She gave without expecting (or even wanting) much in return. Her joy was bringing happiness to others. She was quick with her wit and could tell a joke with her beautiful blue eyes. She loved word searches, Jeopardy, and playing games, which she often won even without trying. We will never play ping pong, crokinole, or Phase 10 without thinking about how she would beat us all almost every time - and then smile and bring out some cookies or set the table for “faspa” …

Ruth would often say, when someone would notice her difficulties, “Oh, many people have it worse.” Now, it is true, everyone has it worse.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the South Abbotsford church deacons fund (https://www.southabbotsford.com/donate) would be appreciated to support people in our community who may be going through hardships.

For those unable to join the family in person for the funeral service on Thursday December 16th, a livestream will be available, and can be joined by clicking the following link:

https://youtu.be/jBhY21mYEq8