Ruth Marie Forsberg

Ruth Marie Forsberg was born May 14, 1946 at Rosthern, Saskatchewan.  She was the second oldest of eight children born to Peter and Esther Dyck.

Ruth attended a country school until grade 8, when the family moved into town.

After her schooling, she worked in the medical office in Rosthern for 2 years. She then decided to take a job at the sanitorium in Saskatoon, working with T.B. patients. Ruth enjoyed this work and was thinking of pursuing a career in nursing until she met Norman, the love of her life.

After a short courtship, Norman and Ruth were married July 23, 1966. Following their marriage Norman moved Ruth out west to Consort, Alberta, where he had a teaching position.  To their family they added three children, Shonna, born March 24, 1969, Jaysen, born June 17, 1971 and on April 2, 1975, Kyle was born, completing the family.

While Ruth stayed at home to raise their family she decided to babysit other children out of the house.  After many years of babysitting she changed occupations and started cleaning houses and any other odd jobs that her clients needed done.

When she wasn’t working, Ruth was busy curling, bowling and travelling with her children to various sporting events.  She was their number one fan and often her voice was hoarse from all the cheering she did. One of her favourite times of the year was the Ladies Curling Bonspiel held in February. Her sisters would arrive, the costumes would come out and the entertainment would begin for the weekend.

Ruth took pride in her flowers and yard.  She always started her own plants from seed and by the time she planted her flower beds there was still enough plants to share with all her friends.  Even though she always had more than enough flowers she still had to go on her annual day long greenhouse tour with Laura, coming home with a car load of plants.

Ruth was an active community member. She joined the Lions Club in 1992 and received the Melvin Jones Fellow  plaque for her many years of service. Later we found out that her and Elaine joined the Lions Club so that they could start up the weekly bingo.  East Central housing was formed with Ruth as a member.  She, along with other members worked diligently to raise funds to build a community rec centre for all citizens to enjoy.  She was overwhelmed when she received the Citizen of the Year award, but we all knew she was a deserving recipient.

After retirement Ruth and Norm enjoyed travelling with friends and family. They visited Mexico, Florida, the Bahamas and Branson, Missouri.  They also visited Toronto and Minnesota to watch their beloved Blue Jays play baseball.  This past summer Ruth, Irene and Deloris made a trip to Toronto to take in 3 Bluejay’s games. The Jay’s ended up winning all of their games they attended, I guess they brought them some luck.

Friends were an important part of Ruth’s life.  There were always coffee dates, cards on Tuesday, her bingo partners and her close knit group of friends that got together to celebrate birthdays. So many fond memories were created. However the thing she cherished the most was family.  She taught her kids that family was important. Many weekends were spent travelling to Saskatchewan to visit family and it was always like a reunion. Her grandchildren and great grandchild were the light of her life and she enjoyed every minute she spent with them.  She looked forward to her nightly conversation with her sister Deloris, Saturday chats with Irene, and Sundays were catch up time with Barb and Joanne.  Her brothers and sisters meant the world to her and you would never find a greater love.

Ruth’s struggle with cancer began in 2008, she fought hard and beat it, but in 2013 it returned. Over the years it was a rollercoaster ride with many ups and downs, but you never heard her complain. Her courage, determination and bravery should be a lesson to us all.

If there was one word to describe Ruth it would be;

Hero - a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.

It’s safe to say, that everyone would agree, Ruth was this person.

Ruth is survived by her daughter Shonna (Lenard) McDonald of Consort, sons Jaysen (Leanne) Forsberg of Consort and Kyle (Vicky) Forsberg of Sylvan Lake; Five beloved grandchildren Hailey and Tori McDonald, Alysha, Brenna and Rowan Forsberg and one great-grandchild Gabby Lee. Ruth is also survived by her brothers and sisters, Dennis (Ann) Dyck, Deloris (John) Fehr, Irene Harelkin, Joanne (Jim) Hoeft, Ken (Bev) Dyck, Glen Dyck and Barb (Mike) Froese as well as numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, other relatives and so many dear friends. She was predeceased by her loving husband Norman Forsberg, her mother and father, Peter and Esther Dyck.

Ruth passed away at the Consort Hospital and Care Centre, Consort, Alberta on February 21, 2017 at the age of 70 years.

A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, February 27, 2017 at the Knox United Church, Consort, Alberta at 1:00 P.M. with Reverend Susan Bowyer officiating.

Memorial tributes may be made in Ruth's memory to the Consort & Seniors Drop In Centre or to the Knox United Church, Consort, AB.

Heather Caseley, Funeral Director of Coronation Funeral Home, Box 358, Coronation, Alberta T0C 1C0 was entrusted with funeral arrangements.

403-578-2928
www.coronationfuneralhome.ca

 Service Information