After a brief and courageous battle with cancer, Ruth passed away at the Palliative Care Unit of the Saint John Regional Hospital on April 18, 2010. Ruth was born on Grand Manan on November 16, 1931, the youngest of four sisters. She was the daughter of the Late Capt. Hugh McMurtry and Viola (D'Arcy) McMurtry. Ruth retired from NBTel in 1994 after 27 years of service. After her retirement, she enjoyed gardening, cross stitch and endless hours of jigsaw puzzles. When Ruth wasn't busy with her pastimes, she could be found at a hockey rink, baseball diamond or wherever her grandson, Bruce, was a participant. Bruce was the love of his Nana's life. Ruth is survived by her loving daughter, Mariann Stevens; grandson, Bruce MacMillan; sisters, Selena (Jim) Gillies and Marjorie (Eugene) Westhaver; one niece, three nephews and several great-nieces and a great-nephew. Ruth was predeceased by her husband, Perley Stevens, and her sister, Marion McMurtry.
At Mum's request, there will be no visiting. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 22, from Brenan's Funeral Home Chapel, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB, (634-7424) at 2:00 p.m. A private interment will take place at a later date at St. Joseph's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Mum has asked that donations be made to the Palliative Care Unit of the Saint John Regional Hospital or Romero House Soup Kitchen. www.brenansfh.com