FISHER, Ruth Helene – 86, Truro, formerly of Upper Stewiacke, passed away peacefully, in the presence of her family, on Thursday afternoon, May 19, 2011, at Cedarstone Enhanced Care, Truro, where she had been lovingly cared for by the staff. Born September 2, 1924, in Truro, she was the daughter of the late Fred and Ella (Cavanaugh) Durning. (Economy Point) She attended Economy School and was a graduate of Oxford High School and Provincial Normal College. She had been a teacher in Lower Economy and Upper Musquodoboit. In 1946 she married her late husband Ralph, and they were the last family to live on the Fisher Mountain homestead in Newton Mills, moving to Upper Stewiacke in 1952. She was a long-time volunteer with Stewiacke Valley Red Cross Disaster Committee and had been honoured for her service. She was a former member of Stewiacke Valley Historical Society and a founding member of the former Colchester Cooperative Knitters. She was a dedicated supporter of Upper Stewiacke United Church, where she had served as Sunday school teacher, UCW president, junior choir leader and had been a member of the choir, alto section, for over 40 years. She was a proud member of Stewiacke Valley Bicentennial Choir of 1980. Always a community worker, she worked tirelessly to support all community functions. Our mother treasured family and held many reunions of the Fisher and Durning families at her home. She was an avid reader and writer and enjoyed belonging to both reading and writing groups. Her beautiful gifts are treasured by her family – quilts, cross stitch and especially her tatted tree ornaments. She looked for the good in everyone, and her unwavering faith carried her through the many hardships in her life, which she faced with courage and dignity. Ruth is survived by her son, Fred (Shirley) Fisher, Port Williams; daughter, Mary Fisher, Guysborough; granddaughters, Rachel (Brian) Murphy, Calgary, Alberta; Janie Fisher, London, Ontario; Sarah Ruth Fisher, Toronto; brothers, George Durning, New Glasgow; Jamie (Elizabeth) Durning, Truro; 11 nieces and nephews. The family expresses their gratitude to all caregivers at Cedarstone for their love and devotion. Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall ~ Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro, where Ruth’s family will receive friends from 3-6 p.m., Sunday, May 22, 2011. Funeral service will be held 2 p.m., Monday, May 23, 2011, in Upper Stewiacke United Church, Highway 289, Upper Stewiacke, Reverend Morley Bentley officiating. Reception will follow in the church hall. Interment in Riverside Cemetery, Upper Stewiacke. Flowers or donations in Ruth’s memory to Canadian Cancer Society, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia or Upper Stewiacke United Church (General Fund) are welcomed. Private messages of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting the “”Guest Book” at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com

“Precious Lord, Take My Hand…”