Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at 12:00 a.m.
Elzinga, Ruth
It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of RUTH ELZINGA. She left us too soon and will be dearly missed. Ruth had a massive stroke in the early morning hours of Wednesday, January 22 and passed away peacefully on Friday, January 24, 2020, surrounded by her loving family.
RUTH LEANNA ELZINGA
Aug. 16, 1946 - Jan. 24, 2020
It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of RUTH ELZINGA. She left us too soon and will be dearly missed. Ruth had a massive stroke in the early morning hours of Wednesday, January 22 and passed away peacefully on Friday, January 24, 2020, surrounded by her loving family.
She is mourned by her beloved husband of 55 years, Auke along with daughters, Candice (Shane Connelly) and Dana (Gavin McCaffrey), grandchildren, Bridget, Kierra and Ainsley, sister Faye (Lothian), and her nieces, nephews and their children.
Ruth was predeceased by her loving parents, Leo and Margaret Peters, her sister, Vangie (Heynen) and cousin, Linda (Cohen).
Ruth was born in Coaldale and moved to Lethbridge as a young girl. She graduated from Winston Churchill High School where she was later inducted into their Hall of Fame for her years of service to this community.
She was a vital volunteer with a massive heart and generous spirit. She served as a School Trustee from 1981 to 1986 and as an Executive of the Alberta School Trustee Association (ASTA). Ruth was then elected as an Alderman where she served two terms from 1986 to 1992. Ruth worked extensively with the City of Lethbridge Health Unit and on the National Board of Directors for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM). She was also recognized by the Alberta Human Rights Commission for leadership taken in providing Aboriginal representation on municipal boards, commissions and committees. Following her years on council, Ruth continued her public service on the Regional Health Authority, Health Professionals Advisory Board and many other boards and committees.
Ruth was an active Member of First Baptist Church, serving on the Board of Deacons, and loved the time she spent studying the scriptures with her weekly Bible Group. As a young mother, she enjoyed the friendship of her Sorority Sisters (Beta Sigma Phi) and often spoke of fond memories and good friends.
Ruth was a woman with a deep faith that gave her enormous strength and compassion for others. She touched the lives of all she knew with her kindness, generosity and exuberant personality. A beloved wife, cherished mother, doting grandmother, loving sister and loyal friend, Ruth was a pillar of strength for both her immediate and extended family.
A Celebration of Life will be held at FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, 1614 - 5 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB on Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Dr. Bruce Martin officiating. A Reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to World Vision (donate.worldvision.ca) or Operation Smile (operationsmile.ca/please-give/), charities close to Ruth's heart.
Guestbook (21)
Share a memory or send a tribute in memory of Ruth.
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Auke, we are so sadden to hear of your loss. Ruth was a good friend and we shall miss her dearly. Please call us if you need anything.
Beste Auke, Onze oprechte deelneming bij het overlijden van je lieve vrouw Ruth. We herinneren ons haar, die ons jarenlang gezegende kerstdagen en een gelukkig nieuwjaar wenste en ons liet meeleven met jullie gezin. We leven met je mee en wensen je veel sterkte voor de komende tijd. Libbe en Akke Postma
I am sorry for the loss of my favorite aunt. I regret not coming to Canada to visit.
I was privileged to know Ruth and we still exchanged cards for many Christmas's after our service at ASBA. She loved Auke and her family and letters in her neat rounded forms, spoke of love and pride.Surely God needed her angelic presence in Heaven , she will help you from her new journey always. My deepest sympathy.
It was a pleasure to meet Ruth during her time on City Council. My condolences to you, Auke, and your family.
Ruth was a very accomplished and compassionate Christian woman and friend to many. She will be dearly missed by her family, church friends and community. I am honoured to have known her. She is now in the arms of Jesus. RIP.
Auke and Family We were saddened to hear of Ruth's sudden passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Elzinga Family during this difficult and sad time. Bob and Sheila Jacobson
Auke, and family, we are very sorry to hear of your loss. Our deepest condolences to you all. Sincerely, The Um family.
So saddened to hear of Ruth's passing. She was such a elegant lady, with an enormous energy to take on tasks that she believed in.
Auke, my deepest sympathy to you and your family! Ruth was such a wonderful women and I am so happy to have known her. You are in my thoughts. Trudi
Auke I am so sad to hear about your loss and my thoughts are with you and your loving family. Ruth will always be remembered as a woman with great beauty, brains, empathy and wisdom.
We are so sad to hear of the passing of Ruth my dear friend from high school days. Everyday we would walk to and from school together and shared going to Alberta camp together in the summer. Unfortunately, we were separated from each other through our moving to Medicine Hat and Calgary as we lost touch with each other. Ruth kindly sent Christmas cards and our intention was in retirement years to revisit the wonderful friendship we shared as teenagers. This is now impossible ...we have learned a lesson ....never put off friendship get togethers as you don't know what tomorrow brings. Ruth .... we will get in our lost time in heaven together . I just never expected you to go home so soon. Our prayers go out to your family during this difficult time.
My sincere condolences to Auke, Candace, Dana and family. Keeping you in my prayers and know that the Lord will hold and sustain you during this difficult time. .. "" To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord ""....Liz Robertson and family
Keep a bench on a grassy slope warm for me, I'll be along with my Black Labs and a tennis ball or two, and a few stories about Kaslo Christians and the joy of our Lord in my life, maybe a fish story! Ken
Dear Auke, Candace and Dana, Our deepest sympathy to you on the sudden passing of Ruthie. Our hearts ache for you. Let this be a comfort to you that she is now safe in the arms of a Jesus. You will miss her tremendously. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Ed and Marion
Auntie Ruthie, you will be greatly missed. I will remember you smile, laughs, and amazing hugs! Your generosity and love for all family was never unnoticed. Love you and miss you!
My wife and I are simply grateful for Ruth, Auke and family. Both have continued to treat us in the most caring and special ways. Deb and I just happened to see Ruth and Auke at New West Theatre only two weeks ago, on Saturday January 11. Although we were assigned to different seats in another row, Ruth insisted she get up and give me a big hug! Ironically, I was driving bus by their place just a couple of days prior, and stopped for her and her daughters so they could cross the street. I opened my window and called out, "Happy New Year!" It was so good to see Ruth and Auke at New West. When Deb and I moved from Three Hills, Alberta to Lethbridge in the summer of 1995, Ruth was the very first person to call our home. She wanted to invite me to get involved on Clint Dunford's Board. She was President at the time of the Lethbridge West PC Association. The rest is history, as I stayed involved with the Association right through the end of the PCAA era in 2017. Ruth was always passionate about all the things that mattered! We are so grateful for their work in the community, and Auke and I sat side by side at the Board of Governors at the University of Lethbridge. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Elzinga families.
A full and successful life well lived. I am proud to have been her friend.
sending love...thinking of you
Auke and family, I'm so sorry to read of Ruth's passing. My sincerest condolences to you all.