RUTH TIMMERMAN

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RUTH TIMMERMAN

"Where you go I will go, and where
you stay I will stay." Ruth 1:16

Suddenly, but peacefully, Ruth went home to be with the Lord on May 3, 2020.
Ruth is survived by her loving husband, Don; children, Brent (Trish) and Janet; and grandchildren, Mark and Breanna. Also survived by her brother, Glenn (Judy) Becklund; sister Lynette (Steve) Fjellman; sister-in-law, Donna (Walter) Klassen; sister-in-law, Sharon Timmerman; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Ruth was predeceased by her parents, Albert and Valborg Becklund; parents-in-law, Jaring and Bessie Timmerman, Gladys Timmerman; and brother-in-law, Bruce Timmerman.
Ruth was born on April 6, 1941 in Saint Paul, MN. In May, 1968, a dashing Canadian came to Saint Paul with the Winnipeg Citadel Band, and stole her heart. It was love at first sight for both. Despite no email, texting or FaceTime, their long-distance relationship flourished, and they were engaged within two and a half months. Don and Ruth were married on June 28, 1969, and Ruth bravely moved to a new country and family.
From 1969 to 1972 Ruth worked as a secretary in the School of Social Work at the University of Manitoba. Upon the arrival of Brent, she became a stay-at-home mom, and then Janet arrived in 1974. Ruth loved her time home with the kids. She was on hand at all times to be a listening ear, to offer advice, and to provide love. When Mark and Breanna arrived on the scene, she embraced the role of grandma and showed them the same love.
Ruth was an immense support to her husband, Don, both with his career and his volunteer roles. She was always there for him. In 2018, they were both honoured by the International Music Camp with the Order of the Crossed Flags – in recognition of his 40 years of dedication to the Camp, and her unwavering support to his continued service.
Ruth had many hobbies and interests, including sewing, cake decorating, crocheting, quilting, swimming and walking. Several of these activities she did with her many friends. She was a loyal soldier of the Salvation Army, and took on many roles such as Sunday School teacher, young people's treasurer, missionary group member, bible study leader, and chair of the women's breakfast committee.
In 1990 Ruth returned to the workforce, as the Secretary to the Director of Recruitment at Catherine Booth Bible College (now Booth University College). She thoroughly enjoyed her time there, and made many good friends. In 2001 she retired, and enjoyed many summers with Don at Victoria Beach. They especially enjoyed their times in Arizona, just returning on March 20 from their last trip together.
Ruth's illness began in 2008. After many extensive attempts at diagnosis, it was eventually labelled, "Parkinsonism". There are very few people who could have handled her illness like she did. She never complained and managed her symptoms with grace. Don was her warrior against her illness, and she was his willing mate in battle. She was always willing to try – she never gave up. Together they fought on – he would stop at nothing to improve her life, and cared for her at home right up until her passing. Even in 2015 when she began tube feeding, Don became well-schooled in all that was involved. After 12 years, the Lord said to her, you have had enough...and brought her home to be with Him. We are confident she is a new creation, laughing and talking like she hasn't been able to do for years.
The family would like to thank those who have supported Ruth and Don over the past several years. Home Instead and Arlaine - we couldn't have asked for a better caregiver than you, Arlaine. We love you and will always be grateful for you. We would also like to thank Dr. Monica Braun, Dr. Paresh Shah, Dr. Karen Ethans, Dr. Andrew Borys, Dr. Brad Pilkey, Sarah Conci and her team of graduate physiotherapist students, and many others who prolonged Ruth's life with their care.
We also wish to recognize the unparalleled friendship of Ken and Donna Davis, who treated Ruth with such respect and dignity.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Parkinson Canada in Manitoba, 7 - 414 Westmount Dr., Winnipeg, MB R2J 1P2.
A memorial service will be held once gathering restrictions are lifted.

For those who wish to sign the online
Guest Book please visit www.chapellawn.ca

Chapel Lawn Funeral Home
204-885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 09, 2020