Obituary Overview
Ruby Luella Ward (nee McNair)
Ruby Luella (née McNair) Ward, born near Asquith, Saskatchewan on October 29, 1920, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2018 in Edmonton, Alberta with family at her side.
Ruby grew up on a farm and attended high school at Nutana Collegiate in Saskatoon. Ruby continued her education at the Robertson’s Secretarial School. She married the love of her life, Frank Ward, in 1942 and they shared 63 years of love, happiness, and partnership until Frank’s passing in 2005. The principal joy of Ruby’s life was their family, and living out her Christian life of service. Serving as an ordained minister in the Community of Christ church, she offered ministry to many families by providing compassion and comfort, and sharing in joy and Christian fellowship. Her faith found expression through choir, youth ministry, teaching, writing, and witness, with opportunities to share at both the local and international levels. One highlight was being part of a Community of Christ delegation to the United Nations International Women’s Forum.
Ruby had a lifelong love of learning. At age 65, she returned to studies earning her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Saskatchewan at age 79. She shared her creative energy and insights through her love of writing and poetry. Her first poem was published in the Regina Leader Post when she was 13 years old, and her poetry went on to touch many in her family and the communities in which she shared.
In 2005, Ruby and Frank relocated to Edmonton, Alberta. Ruby continued to be involved in her church and took on leadership roles in their assisted living resident community.
Ruby is survived by her loving family; Carolyn Brown (Eric Sweeney), Margaret Ward-Jack, Ken Ward (Laurel), Dale Ward (Jeannine). She is loved and remembered with joy by her 9 grandchildren; Ted Brown (Viv), Doug Brown (Jill), Kendra Kamp (Peter), Cam Ward (Cody), Chelsea Loth (Blake), Richard Ward (Abby), Tom Ward, Will Ward (Hailey), and Andrew Jack. Her legacy continues to be lived out in the lives of her 8 great-grandchildren: Abigail, Finlay, Preston, Austin, Stella, Nolan, Nyla, and Cohen. She is also survived by her brother-in-law Stan Ward (Lynn), and many nieces and nephews.
Ruby’s family would like to thank all of the wonderful people that have touched and blessed Ruby’s life in both Saskatoon and Edmonton, including the staff at Strathcona Capital Care in Sherwood Park for their care while she was a resident there.
Interment has taken place honored by her immediate family. A celebration of life service will be held at Community of Christ church, 701 First St E, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan on August 18, 2018 at 11:00 AM.
Ruby will also be remembered in Edmonton, her home of the past 12 years, at a celebration of life service held at the Community of Christ church, 6919 – 83rd St, Edmonton, Alberta on August 19, 2018 at 2:00 PM.
Ruby impacted many lives during her 97 years, and we are grateful for a life well lived, and the legacy of love she gave to all that shared in her walk of life. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in Ruby’s honor to World Accord 1C-185 Frobisher Dr. Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2V 2E6
To view this obituary and share memories, visit www.parkfuneral.ca “Obituaries-Guestbook”. Arrangements entrusted to Greg Lalach, Park Funeral Home, Saskatoon, SK 306.244.2103.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Ruby Luella Ward nee McNair 2018.source
Death notice for the town of: Saskatoon, Province: Saskatchewan