RUBY ELIZA ROULSTON

Ruby Eliza Roulston, born Dec. 9, 1918 in Emo, Ont. and who resided in Abbotsford, B.C. from 1978 until 2001, then Port Coquitlam for her final years, passed on peacefully at the age of 84 on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2003.
Ruby always will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Dianne Archer of Pitt Meadows, and grandchildren, Alex and Erik Bainbridge; past daughter-in-law, Jane Bracke and grandchildren, Jeff and Jenness Roulston of Calgary, Alta.; grandson, Michael Roulston of Thunder Bay, Ont., and extended family members and friends from Ontario to British Columbia.
Ruby was predeceased by her son, Douglas; husband, Walter; sisters, Ethel Roulston, Hazel Booth, and Laura Durbin; and brother, Wesley Redford of the Rainy River District; and her brother, Stewart Redford of Kamloops, B.C.
Ruby was known for her incomparable kindness, loyalty, and never saying an unkind word about anyone. Ruby sacrificed her life for that of her family, giving her total devotion, unconditional love, and plain hard work to all without regard for her own needs or desires.
As a young woman, Ruby was known as one of the “pea” girls on the notably successful Beadle farm near Devlin, Ont., where she first met Walter. In the 1940s, they moved to Kenora, Ont., then in 1952 to Thunder Bay, Ont., where she raised her children.
She became deeply involved in the United Church Women and other service clubs for women, where she found support and companionship in her efforts to ease the isolation and suffering of people burdened with poverty and misfortune.
Ruby also was an active woman, participating successfully as a bowler and curler, winning numerous competitions.
In 1971, they moved to Edmonton, Alta. for seven years before retiring to Abbotsford in 1978. Her years in retirement were quiet and spent devoting time and attention to visiting grandchildren and family.
Unfortunately, Ruby’s health deteriorated with the onset of dementia and the accidental break of both hips. Despite her condition, she never lost her determined attitude of “making the best of every situation” and undying faith in the kindness of others.
“It would all be so beautiful if people were just kind . . . what is more wise than to be kind? And what is more kind than to understand?” (Thomas Tryon)
Funeral services will be held Saturday, Sept. 20, 2003 at 2 p.m., with viewing starting at 1:30 p.m., at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 2310 Clearbrook Rd., Abbotsford, B.C.
In lieu of flowers, please consider in memoriam donations to Battered Women’s Support Services, P.O. Box 1098, Postal Station ‘A’, Vancouver, B.C., V6C 2T1.