March 15, 1930 – October 5, 2021 .
Born: Chilliwack, BC
She was an amazing woman, with loads of character, who enjoyed every moment of life. A COVID 19 outbreak in her home challenged her. She won the first few battles, and then sadly passed peacefully.
She married young and had first child at 18. Ruth and Larry kept an eye on her three younger teenage brothers, while having four children of their own. The new family home was filled with many family celebrations, indoor parties with music and dancing. The large yard was always hosting some type of events, such as, lawn games, swimming, fireworks, and was the neighborhood’s tobogganing hill.
Mom was a Scout and Ranger leader. She had the four of us organized in scouts, guides, swimming, baseball, bowling, football, skating, and a host of other activities.
Mom sewed clothes, amazing Barbie outfits, and many costumes. She loved dressing up; both in costume and putting herself together nicely every day. She had a good supply of jewelry for all occasions. She liked to knit and crochet. With her need to be busy, she usually had a craft on the go, such as: ceramics, resin work, fabric painting, and doll making. She also enjoyed puzzles, gardening; especially flowers, making jam and so much more.
She loved animals; we always had pets from, fish, turtles, rabbits, gerbils to cats and dogs. We are still enjoying Pepper, her African Grey parrot. She was always mesmerized by the visiting deer, bears, squirrels and birds to her yard.
She did the books for the family business; L G Phipps Roofing. Then, as the kids got older, she went out to work, starting in Public Health, and finishing with a 25 year career with Surrey School District as a School Secretary, retiring at 65.
She retired and left Surrey. Then, she moved to Logan Lake, where she filled her days by volunteering in the community. She was the president of the Logan Lake Chamber of Commerce for four years. As well, she volunteered with ESS (Emergency Social Services) as Deputy Director and Director. She was instrumental in getting the rooftop sprinklers on the houses in the community, as well as clearing out the fuel around the perimeter of town. This proved helpful during this past fire season. She was totally involved in the Logan Lake Lions Club, enjoying all the Club activities and trading pins galore with other clubs. She was involved with lots of fund raising, especially proud of the BBQ/Cook trailer. She assisted with Lobster Fest, as well helped provided various Lions meals around town and worked tirelessly for Paws for a Cause. She assisted the Logan Lake Princesses. She was part of the C.O.P. (Citizen on Patrol). Ruth always had her hand up to help others. She loved people, and animals always seemed to seek her out. She was named Logan Lake’s Citizen of the Year (2003) and carried the torch for the 2010 Olympics.
Mom and Phil moved to Kamloops, where they enjoyed being in town, closer to family and shopping. They enjoyed having meals served and no more lawns to mow.
As life went on, mom suffered medically, and moved into Overlander Residential Care Home for her final six years. There, in true Ruthie style, she tried her best every day. She enjoyed kibitzing with staff, listening to their conversations, and watching them work throughout their busy day. She was pleased to sneak behind the clerk’s desk and use her secretarial skills to assist. She’d lend an ear to staff’s Report Meetings, as well. Whenever possible she stuck her legs straight out in front of her wheelchair indicating she was ready to go for a walk, outside was best. She loved the fresh air.
Ruth was predeceased by: Larry, her husband of nearly 30 years, her children’s father, Phil her partner of past 42 years, and her son Pat.
Ruth is survived by three children: Kerry (Vera), Randy, and Laurie. (Ken; who was always there for her)
Grandchildren: Leah (Jarrett), Michelle, Shane (Stephanie), Tricia, Stephanie (Zeb), Jason (Tessa), Ryan (Sanaz), Carly (Brad), Loren.
Great Grandchildren: Dylan (Natalie), Micaela, Isabella, Sophia, Oliver, Cove, Beatrix, Rui, Dia, Zachary and William.
No Public Service will be held. Simply spread a little happiness! SPCA would be a charity of her choice.
Offer Condolence for the family of RUTH LINNEA PHIPPS
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of RUTH LINNEA PHIPPS..
Death notice for the town of: Kamloops, Province: Colombie britanique