Jean "Kay" Kathleen Ruest

Our Mom and Matriarch of our Family passed away in her 90th year after living her life to the fullest. Kay was an amazing person. Born in Roblin Manitoba to Henry and Olive Bodtcher the family of five girls moved to Kelowna in 1937 in their Model A Ford. They lived in their one bedroom home until moving to Vancouver in 1940. Kay attended Burnaby North High School where she was on the Track and Soccer teams and was one of the fastest runners in the school. She was a good student and excelled in all she attempted. She was voted President of the student body (the first Female President) in her final year. Kay worked at Copp’s Shoe store at Cambie and Hastings on Weekends. She Graduated from the Nursing Program at the Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster in 1950. In 1951 she started work at St Mary’s Hospital in a variety of positions eventually completing the Nursing Administration course at UBC. In 1964 she became Director of Nursing. Kay accomplished all of this while being married and having two children (Jamie and Jeff). Kay was the President of the Royal Columbian Alumni Association 1962-63. She was the President of the BC Nursing Administration in 1973-74. She wrote the history for that organization for the archives. She served on the Board of Examiners RNABC and was involved with the Arbitration council. Kay retired from Nursing in 1982 and lived in Richmond with her Husband Marcel Ruest for 14 years. This was a busy time. Mom travelled, played golf and continued to enjoy life. She was the Club Champion at Green Acre Golf Course and finally got her “Hole in One”. They moved to Kelowna in 1994 and spent time between their homes in Mesa Arizona and the Okanagan. Mom loved her Family and continued to travel and visit till the end. She celebrated her 90th Birthday October 2017 in Arizona at San Tan Flats where she hosted a big event with close to 50 Relatives. It was her last Hurrah…. Kay passed away peacefully on Dec 9, 2017 in Kelowna surrounded by Family. Kay leaves behind her two sons Jamie Blair (Susie) of Kelowna and Jeff Blair (Robin) of Arizona, Grandchildren James Blair (Shelby) Vancouver, Nicole Figgins (Scott) Arizona, Heather Lautzenheiser (Cory) Arizona, Sarah Blair (Brallan) Los Angeles and Lisa Blair (Jayson) Kelowna. Sister Olivia (Dan) Phoenix, Brothers Roger New Westminster, Fred (Colleen) Coquitlam, plus numerous Nieces, Nephews, Friends and 13 Great-Grandchildren…. Mom would like to thank the Excellent, Compassionate, Professional staff at KGH as well as Dr. Canning, Dr. Medynski and Dr. Mackle. Funeral Services will be held in the Chapel of First Memorial Funeral Home, 1211 Sutherland Avenue on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. A Reception will follow. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com