RUTH ESTHER METZLAFF (MEICHSNER)

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RUTH ESTHER METZLAFF (nee MEICHSNER) Peacefully, after a lengthy illness, Ruth Metzlaff passed away on Sunday, September 8, 2013, with her son by her side at the age of 81 years. Ruth will be sadly missed by her son Ed Meichsner (Lynda); grandchildren Jack, Grace and Olivia; sisters-in-law Marion Meichsner, Emma Metzlaff, Ida Klaus (Metzlaff), Berta Hammermeister (Metzlaff); brothers-in-law Henry (Sharon) and Ed (Sonia) Metzlaff; as well as their families. She was predeceased by her parents Reverend John Henry and Emily Meichsner; daughter Karen Metzlaff; husband Otto Metzlaff; and brothers Theodore and Martin Meichsner. Mom was born in Grand View, MB in 1932 to Reverend John Henry Meichsner and his wife Emily. She began working at the age of 17 doing odd jobs, but, wanting something better for herself took a typing course and got a job at the hospital in Yorkton, SK, where she worked for six and a half years. Needing a change Mom and a friend flipped a coin to see which direction they would travel next. That led her to Winnipeg where she was hired at the Misericordia Hospital as a nurse's aide. She worked there for many years and made many lifelong friends. In 1963 Mom married Otto Metzlaff and they had two children Ed and Karen. With the time constraints of raising two children and working, she decided to leave the shift work at the hospital and took a job at the Hudson's Bay downtown. Through her years at the Bay Mom worked in the Malt Stop, Coffee Mug Restaurant and the Groceteria. Along with her work at the Bay, from 1969 to 2001 she worked at the convenience store at the corner of Valour Rd. and St. Matthews St. The store was across the lane from our house and Mom would often treat us kids and our friends to popsicles, but would always mark it down in the book so it came directly out of her pay. I think sometimes she was left with very little money after paying for those treats. Mom was a musical person who played the accordion, the harmonica, and sang in the church choir. She was a member of the Lutheran Women's Missionary League and had a strong faith in God. She always tried to make other people happy, as they came first to her. Mom never had an unkind word to say about anyone and always looked on the bright side. As children, she would make our clothes, took us to Church every Sunday, made sure we learnt how to swim (because she was terrified of water), taught us not to kill spiders and left us with an appreciation of music, and the simple things in life. In compliance with Mom's wishes, a private Funeral Service will be held. Special thanks to the 4th floor staff of Lions Personal Care Home for their exceptional care of my Mother over the last six years. She couldn't have been in better hands. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Society of Manitoba, 10 120 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4G2. Wojcik's Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 1020 Main Street, Winnipeg, 204 586 - 8668 wojciksfuneralchapel.com.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 14, 2013