PICTOU – Mary Ruth Donovan, 96, of Pictou, passed away January 15, 2008, in the Maritime Oddfellows Home, Pictou, where she resided for the past six years. Born in South Melville, PEI, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Jane (Brown) Cutcliffe. Ruth attended business college in PEI and moved to Pictou in 1942. She is well known for her wonderful knitting and quilting and for many years did volunteer knitting for the S.H.M. Hospital and Red Cross. She is survived by her daughter, Jean (Keith) Slaunwhite, Halifax; grandchildren: Kathy (Vince) Williams, Ontario; Carla (Milton) Isaacs, Bedford; Brian (Carolyn) Slaunwhite, Kentville; and Karen Slaunwhite (Dave Gray) Ottawa; seven great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. She will also be sadly missed by her friend and neighbour of many years, Betty Knowles. She was predeceased by her husband, Jack; son, Paul; daughter-in-law, Joan; sister, Bertha Calbeck; and brothers: Gordon, Harold, and Ray Cutcliffe. Visitation will be held 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. today in McLaren Funeral Home, Pictou. Funeral service will be from Pictou United Church at 3 p.m. Friday, with Rev Mary-Beth Moriarity officiating. Burial to follow at Seaview Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Nova Scotia Lung Association or charity of choice if so desired.