With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Ruth Susan Stewart, who passed away peacefully on October 11, 2026, at La Verendrye Hospital in Fort Frances. Born on December 17, 1954, in Emo, Ontario, to Harold and Marjorie Barron, Ruth grew into a woman defined by compassion, community, and an unwavering love for her family.
Ruth dedicated 38 years to nursing in both Fort Frances and Emo. The nursery ward in Fort Frances became her second home, where she spent the majority of her career. She cherished every moment with the countless babies she cared for over the years, finding deep joy and purpose in her work. Ruth had a remarkable gift for connection. She loved her family fiercely and enjoyed socializing with friends. She truly seemed to know everyone — there was rarely a day she went out without running into someone familiar. Her kindness and willingness to help others extended into her involvement with various community and church groups. She always made time for anyone who needed her. On June 14, 2026, Ruth was baptized at Christian Reformed Church, a decision she was deeply proud of. She loved cheering on local sports teams, especially the Blue Knights, and she never missed an opportunity to support her grandchildren in hockey, school events, musicals, or plays. Her pride in them was endless. Ruth met the love of her life, Bob Stewart, and the two were married on March 19, 1993. From that day forward, they were inseparable until Bob’s passing. Together, they shared a love for animals and spent several years helping with the small animal exhibits at the Emo Fair. Ruth had a special fondness for dogs and cats.
Ruth will be greatly missed by her children Robert (Nancy) Barron, Susan (Dirk) Crans, and Alexander Stewart; her grandchildren Chelsea, Brianna (Matt), Matthew, Connor, and Jax Barron Rebekah, Justus, Abbi, Emrys, and Guinevere Crans; her granddaughter Jasmyne (Warren) Thompson; her great-grandchildren Daisy Thompson, Declan Thompson, Cooper Kellar, and Patrick Thompson. Ruth is survived by her siblings Ken (Lois) Barron, Gerald (Carolyn) Barron, Bruce (Blanche) Barron, Allen (Marianne) Barron, Billy (Chris) Berry, and sister Elaine Barten; her brother-in-law George Stewart; sister-in-law May Tarasoff; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents Harold and Marjorie; her infant brother Robert; her loving husband Bob Stewart; her sister Barb Forbes; brother-in-law Cory Forbes; and sister-in-law Violet Patterson.
Ruth’s legacy is one of kindness, service, and love. She touched countless lives — through her nursing, her friendships, her faith, and her devotion to family. She will be remembered always and missed beyond measure.
A celebration of life will take place on Friday, October 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Emo Christian Reformed Church, Meadow Place, Emo, Ontario, P0W 1E0.
Arrangements entrusted to Northridge Funeral Home Ltd., Emo, Ontario.
