Obituary of Ruth Ellen Parker

Surrounded by her family, Ruth passed away peacefully on October 14, 2022 at the Health Sciences Centre at the age of 86 years. She is reunited with her husband Vernon and daughter Janice. Ruth is survived by her daughter Audrey (Garth) Hanna; son Bruce (Karen) and their five children and three special great granddaughters; brother and sister-in-law Garvin and Rae Kabernick; brother Mervin Kabernick; sister Elsie Friesen; and many nieces and nephews. Ruth is also predeceased by her sister Edna; sister-in-law Sharon Kabernick; brother-in-law Peter Friesen; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law Jack and Gwen Clarke; and nephews Gordon Clarke and Kelly Kabernick. Ruth was born on March 16, 1936 on a farm in Drake, Saskatchewan. Her family moved to the Sanford homestead in 1950. Ruth took her high school education in Sanford and then worked as a secretary for the Sanford Co-op, where she met her future husband, Vernon Parker. They married in 1957 and lived on the farm for 17 years, before moving to their new home in Sanford in 1974. They later retired to Winnipeg where they enjoyed many more years together, making new friends and participating in activities at their apartment complex. Ruth served as President of the local Sanford Women’s Institute, President of the Roland District WI Board and as Director on the Manitoba WI Provincial Board. She participated in many community organizations and events. Ruth’s faith was also a very important part of her life. After Vern’s passing in 2019, Ruth continued to enjoy many card games and activities, including with her social club at the apartment. Ruth loved to bake and often shared her baking with friends and family. We will miss her baking! A graveside service will be held on Thursday, October 20, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. at the Sanford Cemetery, followed by a gathering at the Community Hall in Brunkild. Donations may be made in Ruth’s memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, or a charity of your choice.