Ruth McDougall

A photo of Ruth McDougall

Service:

Celebration of Life
Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Saturday November 19, 2022
2:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Words of remembrance will be shared
at 3:00 p.m.

Ruth McDougall of Blenheim passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Tuesday November 1, 2022.  She leaves to mourn her husband of 62 years Hugh, her children Chris McDougall (Dorothy Verkaik), Catherine Van Hyfte (Brian) also dearly missed by daughter-in-law Colleen McDougall; and her grandchildren Kristen Van Hyfte, Clayton Van Hyfte, Hannah McDougall and Jillian McDougall as well as her sisters Dorothy Arner (Douglas), Muriel Armstrong (late Howard) and her nieces and nephews.

Ruth was born 83 years ago to the late Nelson & Mavis (Hope) Armstrong and was raised in the Merlin area.  As a child, she shared a special bond with her grandmother who she credited as having a strong spiritual guidance.  Maybe it was her grandmother’s influence that created such a kind and caring heart, or maybe it was there right from the start, but it wouldn’t have surprised anyone when Ruth set her sights on becoming a Registered Nurse, a career that would allow her to help people.  Following her graduation from the Public General Hospital School of Nursing in 1961, she worked for a time at the Golden Acres Nursing Home in Guilds.  From 1981 – 2003 she held the position of Administrator at the Blenheim Community Village.  For two years of that time, she also oversaw the operations at the Village on the Ridge in Ridgetown.  When she retired, she volunteered at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance for another seventeen years, because she wanted to continue making a difference in the world.  One of her favourite quotes came from the bible: 1 Peter 4:10 which she paraphrased “Use your God given talents to serve one another”.  She was a true example of that.

Ruth appreciated the beauty of the world and the miracle of life.  She loved her family and her friends, especially her long-time childhood friend Joy King.  She was proud of the life that she shared with Hugh and she was proud of her children and grandchildren, wishing them only the best.

A Celebration of Ruth’s life will be held on Saturday November 19, 2022 from 2:00 – 5:00 at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home.  Words of remembrance will be shared at 3:00 p.m.  Family and friends wishing to remember Ruth with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Blenheim Baptist Church where she was a member for many years.

In the words of her favourite Johnny Reid song…”May the sun shine on your shoulders, may luck and love be your friends, for now, always, forever, ‘til we meet again”.

To view a video tribute of Ruth’s life, click on this link:  https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/9C94D6PPHLHMPZZZ

 

 

 

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My sincere condolences Hugh, Chris and Catherine and families. So many fond memories of our parents. From the Optimist club, to bowling, to our mothers working together. Sending hugs to you all. Patty

My sincere condolences Hugh, Chris and Catherine and families. So many fond memories of our parents. From the Optimist club, to bowling, to our mothers working together. Sending hugs to you all. Patty

My sincere condolences Hugh, Chris and Catherine and families. So many fond memories of our parents. From the Optimist club, to bowling, to our mothers working together. Sending hugs to you all. Patty

Dear Hugh, Chris and Dorothy, Cathering and Brian and families, May all your fond memories comfort you. Your mom was an amazing, generous and kind woman who welcomed all into her home as if they were family. Her smile, warmth and caring ways will always be remembered. She was a true memory maker and a blessing to many.

Catherine & Brian and family, so very sorry for your loss. We are thinking about your family at this sad time. Sincere sympathy from The Keirsebilck family

My deepest sympathy to Hugh, Chris and Catherine and families. Another great Guilds resident from my years just down the road from you has passed on and will be missed. May your treasured memories be with you and sustain you through this difficult time.

I had the pleasure of getting to know Ruth many decades ago when she nursed at my family's Golden Acres Nursing Home. Not only was Ruth a capable leader, but she was also a helpful team player - so supportive, easy-going, and she tempered most situations with her good sense of humour as well as her voice of reason. As a fledgling nurse's aide I benefitted greatly from her kind and caring heart. My brothers and I would like to express our sincere condolences to Ruth's family on this great loss. Val, Staff, and Doug Johnston

I had the pleasure of getting to know Ruth many decades ago when she nursed at my family's Golden Acres Nursing Home. Not only was Ruth a capable leader, but she was also a helpful team player - so supportive, easy-going, and she tempered most situations with her good sense of humor as well as her voice of reason. As a fledgling nurse's aide I benefitted greatly from her kind and caring heart. My brothers and I would like to express our sincere condolences to Ruth's family on this great loss. Val, Staff, and Doug Johnston

Dear Chris, Kathryn and Hugh. Sending sympathy on the loss of Ruth. I always enjoyed chatting with her when we met. Brian and Michelle Toll.

Hugh, Chris, Catherine and family So sorry to hear of Ruth’s passing. She was a great friend to our parents, Bev and Marie, as well as an active, caring member of our Guilds family. Her love and compassion was obvious for all people. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time, Sharren, Jim and Joanne

Dear Hugh and family so sorry for your loss. Ruth was a magnificent lady in our lives. She taught Sunday school at the Guild's United Church for my age range. She was a very good influence on our lives. She will be sorely missed by all. Sharren Eveland and the entire Steel family.

Hugh, Catherine, Chris and Families So sorry to hear of Ruth's passing. Mary Anne and I will miss our breakfast and lunch buddy, and the many enjoyable conversations we had. As Administrator for BCV, Ruth was both professional and caring, and had the perfect blend of both, which developed into an ongoing friendship. She will be missed by all you knew and loved her.

Dear Catherine and family: I am so very sorry to hear of your Mum’s death. It was such a privilege to know and work with her on my visits to see folks at Blenheim Community Village. Her professionalism, kindness and support to me will never be forgotten. Especially though, I will not forget the respect and compassion she demonstrated for residents and families with whom she worked. Later, when she was volunteering and I was working at CKHA , it was always wonderful to chat with her- a calm moment in an otherwise busy day. She always spoke of you and your family with great pride. Thinking of you all at this time.

Our thoughts and prayers for the McDougall family. Ruth was such an inspiration for the nursing class of 61. She kept us together. Will always remember good times together Joyce and Neil

What a beautiful tribute in honour of your wife,mother, grandmother,sister and friend. My prayers are with you as you celebrate her life and honour her legacy of love, faith,and service. May God comfort your hearts and give you His peace. P. Marg Moriyama

Our condolences to you on the passing of my nursing classmate. Thank you for the photo tribute. Caroll

Our deepest condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Hugh, Chris, and Catherine. Very sorry to hear of the loss of Ruth. Living at the farm next door, I had many a fun night babysitting. Ruth was a very special mentor to me I worked with her at the Guilds Nursing home where I saw her compassion, caring and devotion to the residents. She also lead teams of professional staff and caregivers to give their best. She was a great manager., tough and gentle at the same time. I loved her smile and beautiful laugh. A wonderful person and she will be missed. My thoughts are with you and your families at this difficult time.

Hugh; & family, Condolences from the Graves Gang !!

Hugh, Chris, and Catherine, So sorry to hear of Ruth’s passing. She was a wonderful person with a great smile. Years ago living on the farm next door my sisters and I spent many evenings baby sitting when your Mom and Dad went out. Like ours, that drafty old farmhouse sometimes made strange noises on a windy night so I was glad when your Mom’s cheery face appeared . So reassuring, and confident, I always enjoyed seeing and talking to her. May her memory be a blessing to each of you.

Catherine and family. I am so sorry about the loss of your mom and grandmother. She was a wonderful nurse and a lovely person. It was always a pleasure to see her when she volunteered at the hospital. My thoughts are with you all during this difficult time

Hugh, Cris, Catherine and families, my sincere condolences. Although I haven't seen Ruth for a few years, I remember her vibrant smile and laughter. She seemed to enjoy volunteering at the hospital. She not only made a difference in your lives, but touched many others. Hold on to the memories.

Hugh and family. I'm truly sorry to hear of Ruth's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

My sincerest condolences to your family

Muriel and Dorothy. I am so sorry to hear about Ruth's passing. This brings back memories of all the good times we girls spent together. It also reminds me of what a special person Grandma Armstrong was. Cherish your memories.

Sorry to hear of Ruth’s passing. Thoughts and prayers to the family. RIP Ruth Stephen, Karen, Susan & Kevin Askew

I am so sorry to hear about Aunt Ruth’s passing. I will always remember her goodness and ever present smile. She will be missed!

Hughie, Chris, Catherine and families, my sincere condolences... I am so saddened by the loss of Ruth what a stature in my life, she helped me in my life many times, I will NEVER forget her kindness, kwirky smile and strong will of life she instilled in me. Thankyou Ruth may you rest in peace xo

To the McDougall Family: Our condolences at this time. Best wishes as you move forward.

I was so sad to hear of Ruth's passing. Hugh and family I send my sincere condolences .Many fun times at Guilds with you and Ruth. Cherish all your memories

We’re so sad to hear of Ruth’s passing. She’s been a constant in my life. I thought she was so pretty as Hughs girlfriend. Theirs was the first wedding I attended. I babysat when Catherine was born. We worked together for a brief stint at the Guilds nursing home. She was the spark plug 🔌 for the family, at work and with friends. She will be dearly missed. Rosemary and Craig

Ron and au are do very sorry for your loss. Ruth was a very special lady, loved by all who knew her! Our deepest condolences

Hugh, Chris, Catherine and families, please accept our heartfelt condolences on Ruth’s passing. She was such a lovely lady with a beautiful smile. Thinking of you in your loss. Rest In Peace, Ruth.

Hugh, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all the family at this time. May you find comfort in your memories in the coming days.

Hugh , Chris , Catherine and families,so sad to hear of Ruths passing. I have many memories of Ruth as I grew up, our families so often together, parents in optimist club over the years and then working at the Golden Acres , then Blenheim Community Villiage. I again found Ruth at my Moms bedside in hospital when she volunteered, such a familiar comforting presence . Please know that my thoughts are with you💕

Chris, Dorothy and all the McDougall family, sorry to hear of your Mothers passing. Thinking of you all during this sad time.

Hugh, Chris, Catherine & families. We are sorry to hear of the passing of Ruth. We had the pleasure of knowing Ruth personally through the Morpeth Heritage Club. Our thoughts & prayers are with you during this sad time. Blessings to all.

Hugh, Chris, Catherine & families. We are sorry to hear of the passing of Ruth. We had the pleasure of knowing Ruth personally through the Morpeth Heritage Club. Our thoughts & prayers are with you during this sad time. Blessings to all.

The McDougall family. I am sorry to hear of your loss. Sending thoughts and prayers Linda and John

I'm sorry to hear that Ruth has passed away. While I haven't seen her in many years, I fondly remember her kindness and welcoming approach. My sincere condolences to Chris, Catherine, Hugh and Maureen Armstrong who introduced me to the McDougall family many years ago. May your many memories carry you through this difficult time of loss. Heartfelt condolences.

I am so sorry to hear that Ruth has passed away. She was always the voice of reason and I could always depend on her for good advice. She was a special lady and I’m going to miss her. My deepest condolences go out to Hugh, Catherine, and Chris as well as the extended family.

Hugh and family, please accept our heartfelt condolences. We were so sorry to hear of Ruth's passing. We had the pleasure of knowing Ruth personally and professionally. As you get through this difficult time, may it somehow help to know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of many. With sincere sympathy, Ron and Carrie Ball (Shelp)

To the McDougall Family, So sorry for your loss, our prayers and thoughts are with you. I had the pleasure of knowing Ruth professionally and personally through our pharmacy.She was a professional individual who always placed the patient first. Ruth will be missed.

Hugh, Chris and Catherine and families. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Ruth was a wonderful lady. Blessings to you.

Hugh and family Please accept my sincere condolences.

Hugh, Chris, Catherine and family, I was sad to learn of Ruth’s passing. I worked for Ruth during her time at The Village on the Ridge. Many happy memories of those years plus continuous contact over the following years. Please accept my condolences in the loss of Ruth Catherine

Ruth was a great friend, a great role model and a wonderful leader and co worker. She will be missed.

Sorry for your loss, our condolences. The Butler's