Obituary of Frances Ruth Christie

CHRISTIE ~ Frances Ruth Christie passed away at the Dr. Cooke Extended Care Centre Monday, June 10, 2013 at the age of ninety-one years. Ruth leaves to mourn her passing: three daughters: Angie Christie of Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan, Jean Legace of Edmonton, Alberta and Edna (Brent) Franks of Weyburn, Saskatchewan; five grandchildren: Charity, Joel, Casey, Erin and Michelle as well as numerous other relatives. Ruth was predeceased by her husband, Daniel McKinney Christie; and infant son, Hugh Daniel Christie. The Funeral Service for Ruth was conducted from McCaw Funeral Chapel, Lloydminster, Alberta Friday, June 14, 2013 at 10:00 A.M. with Joyce Carson officiating. A tribute was given by Edna Franks. The hymns sung, "In the Garden" and "How Great Thou Art" were accompanied by organist Melanie Pellerin. Soloist Lani Burry sung the solo "Be Not Afraid." The active pallbearers were Tom McKevitt, Gerard McKevitt, Norval Christie, Ron Christie, George Christie and Lloyd Tendeck. Interment was held in the Lloydminster City Cemetery. The reception was held in the Knox Presbyterian Andrew Walker Wing. Donations in memory of Ruth may be made to a charity of the donor's choice. McCaw Funeral Service Ltd., of Lloydminster, Alberta administered the funeral arrangements. EULOGY Ruth loved her family and friends. She was a gentle soul who loved without judgement. She was a mother who loved her children unconditionally. Easily forgiving and always finding a teachable moment. She valued her past often recalling memories of her family and childhood, wartime, bowling and baseball. She spent many hours in her yard being creative. Picking berries and gardening and of course the fishpond, all the children loved Ruth's fishpond. She made the best jam and recall Casey and Joel asking for grandma's jam for Christmas. She was there to comfort, understand and always a soft place to land. She tried to instil the values she held close to her heart and truly believed that every living thing and person had precious value and worth. She tried to answer the unanswerable questions that come from a child, to help make sense of the world. She loved to be silly and although she claimed to be tone deaf would sing silly donkey songs in rounds - until everyone was laughing more than singing or dressing up with you for Halloween and off to the neighbors - laughing and being silly. There were disappointments and struggles but mostly she made a family and childhood for her children that felt solid, certain and enduring. Like life would be safe forever. Then in a blink the life, the mother, the friend you thought would be there forever - begins to slip away; you and she both being the dance with strangers as you arrive on the foreign shores. The shores of Alzheimer's. The tables turn and suddenly the strong woman you've known seems fragile, venerable, and afraid. So you hold her, recall her memories for her from stories she has recited so many times. You let go of the woman you knew and embrace this new chapter and pray she will stay just a bit longer in the look where you sense she knows you. You embrace every word, every smile, and every giggle. You learn to hang on to the silliness like why the Teddy Bear on her bed is not barking at you. And you pray that she will not suffer and you pray that you won't either, that you will cope without that soft place to land. And you thank the universe everyday for the angels in her life. Ruth was a strong woman. A strong woman is one who feels deeply. Loves fiercely. Her tears flow just as abundantly as her laughter. She is both soft and powerful. Both practical and spiritual. A strong woman in her essence is a gift to the world. You were that special gift, Ruth to all that knew and loved you. Goodbye Sweet Lady, We love you. CARD OF THANKS The family would like to thank the staff at the Dr. Cooke Extended Care Centre for the care given to Ruth. Thank you to Joyce Carson for officiating at Ruth's funeral. Thanks also to Melanie and Lani for the music, to the pallbearers, the ladies for lunch, and for the cards and donations received. Special thanks to Glenn and Joel McCaw for their personal, compassionate and professional assistance. Angie and Charity Christie Edna, Brent, Joel, Casey and Erin Franks Tom & Deb McKevitt