MICKELSON: Ruth Mabel Mickelson, July 26, 1919- October 29, 2011. It is with admiration and fond memories we say goodbye to our mother, grandmother, sister. Ruth Mickelson of Swift Current passed away at the age of 92 at the Shaunavon Long-Term Care Facility. She was the eldest of four daughters of Gilbert and Ronnaug Rya of Cabri, SK. Upon completion of Grade 12 in Cabri, Ruth obtained an Arts Certificate from Regina College and then her Teacher's Certificate from Normal School in Moose Jaw. After teaching at Boyer Lake, SK, and taking a business course, she moved for work to Victoria, BC. There she reunited with past friend and dance partner, Elvy Mickelson, originally from Hazlet, SK. Elvy and Ruth were married October 21, 1944 in Cabri and lived in Victoria and Mission City, BC until 1953. Mom loved the West Coast: its scenery, arts and culture. Lasting friendships were formed through Beta Sigma Phi and the United Church Couples Clubs. In 1953, Ruth and Elvy returned to farm the Rya homestead in Cabri where they would farm until 1993. Now a busy farm wife and mother, Ruth cherished her Riverdene coffee & crafts club get-togethers and substitute teaching. Residing in Swift Current from 1968 onwards, Ruth and Elvy made many new friends through groups such as the First United Church Couples Club, the SC Round Dance Club, Sons of Norway, Old Time Fiddlers, and a variety of other arts activities. Mom treasured her friends from the weekly coffee parties and UCW activities. An avid gardener, Mom managed to harvest a 'pantry-full' on the farm despite drought and deer. Mom loved travelling, reading, needlework, keeping abreast of current events and her daily walks. Many local residents remember Ruth for her charming hats! Ruth is lovingly remembered by her three children: daughter Gilda Erasmus (Gerd) of Vanderhoof, BC, grandchildren Hans, Sonya (Dave), Nils and Erica; daughter Elaine Strang (Randy) of Vernon, BC, grandchildren Richelle (Tim) and Nicole; son Kelvin Mickelson (Melissa) of Glass House Mountains, Queensland, Australia, grandchildren Ella and Rose; sister Helen Guay of Montreal, Quebec, and nieces and nephews. As Ruth's family, we acknowledge and appreciate the sacrifices she made for her family and we will miss the encouragement, support and love she gave us.
Ruth was welcomed into Heaven by her parents, Gilbert and Ronnaug Rya, her sisters Myrtle Hadvick and Gladys Sherrill, and her husband, Elvy. We sincerely thank Dr. Louwrens and all the staff at the Shaunavon Long - Term Care Facility for the outstanding care Mom received. The funeral service, officiated by Reverend Sharon Ferguson-Hood, was held Saturday, November 5,2011 at First United Church, Swift Current. Interment followed at Mount Pleasant Burial Park. In memory of Ruth Mickelson, donations may be made to the Activities Department at the Shaunavon Long-Term Care Facility, the Canadian Alzheimer Society, or First United Church, Swift Current. Warren's Funeral Home in care of arrangements. For further information please call 773-8831 or visit our website at www.warrensfuneralhome.com and express your sympathy to the family in our book of condolence.