In Loving Memory of

Ruth Stewart Merrick

(Maiden: Finch)
of Edmonton
Jan 23, 1916 - Jun 15, 2013

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Ruth Merrick.

Ruth Merrick passed away at Lynnwood Extended Care, Edmonton. Ruth is survived by her son Alan Merrick (Faye Parker); her daughter Lynn (Jack) Tonsi; grandson James (Jennifer) Tonsi; great grandsons Corben and Jackson and brother Jack Finch.

She was predeceased by her husband Henry in 1977; as well as by her brother Rupert; sister Ilma and sister-in-law Nell Finch.

Ruth was born and grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba. As a young woman, she loved sports and was part of a provincial champion fastball team. In 1940, she married Henry Merrick. They moved to Edmonton in 1943, where Henry worked for the CNR and where their children Alan and Lynn were born and raised.

Ruth was a devoted mother and wife who had many interests. She loved to garden, sew, knit and cook and was also an excellent dancer. Her petit point and needlepoint works were exquisite, and she was creating beautiful pieces of art well into her eighties. She loved the competition of a good game of bridge, cribbage or rummoli. Ruth also took great pleasure in knitting mittens for children, and each year for many years would donate enough mittens for an entire elementary class to a school in the inner city.

In 2008, Ruth sold her house and moved to McConnell Place West, where she received excellent care from the capable and compassionate staff. In 2013, she moved to Lynnwood Extended Care, where she passed away. The family is very grateful to all of the wonderful staff who cared for Ruth over the last years of her life.

A Celebration of Ruth’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 21, 2013 at Foster and McGarvey Funeral Home, 10011 - 114 Street, Edmonton. Interment will take place at Edmonton City Cemetery on 107 Avenue and 118 Street.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Al Shamal Shriners Transportation Fund, 14510-142 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T6V 1H9.