RUTH HALVERSON

It is with heavy hearts the family of Ruth Halverson announces her passing on Monday, Oct. 28, 2019, at the Rainy River Health Centre.
Ruth was born May 21, 1931, to Lilly and Rudolf Pearson. Ruth was raised on the family homestead in Tovell. Upon completion of school, Ruth worked at various cooking and cleaning jobs throughout the area.
Later, she met and married Arnold Halverson and they had two children–Marilyn Anne and Roger Daniel.
Three months after Marilyn was born, Ruth and Arnold purchased a trapline. A quaint log cabin in the wilderness was built on Manitou Lake, east of Fort Frances.
A log cabin was also built on Vickers Lake. This was their home for the winter months.
Their only communication with the outside world was a two-way radio. Ruth worked at Arnold’s side learning the trapping skills and developing a great love for the outdoors.
There was a time when Arnold was injured and could not tend to the trapline. Ruth had no choice but to take over the trapping duties until Arnold was able. Ruth and Arnold relocated for the summer months to Tovell.
This lifestyle was repeated each year until Marilyn had to start school. They were all saddened to give up their courageous lifestyle and this vast area.
In 1962, they settled a half-mile south of Cozy Corner on Hwy 619. The old homestead was sold and the house was moved to the new piece of land that was now called home.
Arnold purchased a large trapline and Ruth helped where she could. Arnold worked as a carpenter as well on Lake of the Woods.
Ruth had taken a job of quite a different nature. She was employed by Buena Vista Resort in Morson doing housekeeping for 17 years. She retired in 1991.
Ruth was known for her quiet, humble and kind spirit.
She was always aware of when someone was in need and would be the first to help out in any way that she could.
Whenever someone was upset, she would always ensure them that everything would be alright.
Ruth enjoyed the time she spent in Long Term Care at the Rainy River Health Centre–especially the pontoon boat rides.
Ruth’s love of the outdoors has been instilled in her grandchildren, Hillary, Jordan and Courtney. Ruth loved her grandchildren with all her heart.
She spent every minute she possibly could with them. Ruth spent many summers with her grandchildren at Rushing River Provincial Park.
Ruth was very proud of her Swedish heritage. Ruth made two trips to Sweden to visit relatives.
Her first trip was in 1976 with her daughter Marilyn, and she returned again in 1979, with Marilyn and two of her sisters, Gladys and Shirley.
Ruth’s first language was Swedish and she could often be heard carrying on a conversation with someone in Swede at various social events.
Ruth leaves behind her daughter, Marilyn (Darrell), of Bergland, Ont.; son, Roger, of Tovell Township, Ont.; grandchildren, Hillary (Kevin), Jordan (Ashleigh) and Courtney (Stefan); great-grandson, Emmett; and the two fur-babies, Kane and Maverick.
Ruth also leaves behind her sisters, Gladys Jolicouer and Shirley (Allan) Brown; sisters-in-law, Eileen Pearson and Marie Pearson; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ruth was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Arnold; her sister, Anna Olson, and brother-in-law, Ivan Olson; her sister, Alice Pentney and brother-in-law, Gordon Pentney; her sister, Elsa Miller, and brother-in-law, Fred Miller; brothers, Gordon Pearson and Roy Pearson; and brother-in-law, Tom Jolicouer.
Funeral services will be held Friday, Nov. 8, 2019, at 1 p.m. at the Bergland Hall with Carolyn Kreger officiating.
The pallbearers will be Darrell Hansen, Jordan Hansen, Kevin Nordberg, Stefan Bouchard, Morris Halverson and John Craig.
If desired, memorial donations may be made in Ruth’s memory to Rainy River Long Term Care Activation Department, c/o Northridge Funeral Home, Box 89, Emo, ON P0W 1E0.