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It is with sad hearts that the family of Kathleen “Ruth” Chaster, born January 27,1925 at Kings Daughter Hospital announces she has passed away peacefully September 6, 2020 at Cairnsmore Place both the same plot of land in Duncan, BC. Niece Karen Chaster was by her side. Predeceased by her father Joseph(Joe), mother Marion(Molly), brothers Barrie(Barry), William Raymond(Ray), Gerald, Geoffrey(Duffy), Richard and sister Joyce.
Survived by her sister Alma and everyone’s honourable big sister Marge. Along with numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Being a depression era kid, Ruth learned the value of work and money and started working at an early age. School and her odd jobs kept her busy until she was finally able to join the airforce in WWII from 1943 to 1946 as a general duty clerk. She joined up for the Korean War, training as a supply technician from 1951 to1958 and was in charge of barrack blocks of “her girls”.
Coming home Ruth worked in grocery until 1966 when she joined the Post Office as a letter carrier. Even though she was small, she persisted and outlasted many of the men hired. Ruth worked for 21 years and retired at 61.
Ruth was committed to the Legion for 75 years. For over 30 years Ruth often by herself would make and place crosses on Legion Veterans’ graves at Remembrance Time. She also helped locate almost 100 graves of Veterans in the older part of Mountain View. After Ruth’s second tour of duty she started volunteering as a driver for meals on wheels, completing 40 years.
Ruth loved her fruit, vegetable and flower gardens, canning preserves, jamming and freezing and sharing with all. Ruth was deeply committed to family, friends and her community, generous of time and money, always willing to lend a hand. The last decade or more saw Ruth volunteer at Cairnsmore Place with anything she could. Then in April 2019, Ruth became a resident of Cairnsmore Place herself, accepting this change and embracing it, as she encouraged others.
The family is eternally grateful to Cairnsmore Place, manager Gail Kerrone and the wonderful staff for moving heaven and earth to make room for her there. Ruth did her best to keep them all on their toes.
Ruth was planning on living to 105 “to get her money out the government”, unfortunately she’d had enough and thought perhaps she just might stop by the Canadian Treasury on her way to heaven to collect. Ruth also said she wanted to get into heaven before they closed the pearly gates. Of course our girl had a twinkle in her eyes and a big smile on her face.
The family would like to thank her long time doctor, Dr. Jan Melherbe and his office staff.
A Celebration of Life will take place by invitation only. Donations in Ruth’s name may be made to the Legion or Cairnsmore Place.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Ruth Chaster January 27 1925
September 6 2020..
H. W. Wallace Cremation and Burial Centre
Décès pour la Ville: Duncan, Province: Colombie britanique