Ruth Klassen (Letkeman) passed away peacefully on April 30, 2025 at Boundary Trails Health Center. She is survived by her husband Frank and son Darrell, brothers Richard (Martha), Ron (Denise), Albert (Pearl), Ray (Brenda), Gerald (Wendy) and sister-in-law Laurie Letkeman. In-laws Mary Klassen, George & Anne Klassen, Peter & Linda Klassen, Jake & Irene Klassen, John & Marlene Klassen, along with many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents Abe and Elizabeth (Janzen) Letkeman, stepmother Margaret (Harder) Letkeman, brother Bob and nephew Ryan. Parents-in-law Frank & Mary Klassen.
Ruth grew up on a farm south of Morden in the Wakeham School District. Being one of the oldest siblings and the only girl, she was kept busy with many household chores. She lost her mom at the age of 12, and this proved to be a very difficult time in her life. This meant she was now responsible for even more household duties. At the age of 14, she welcomed her stepmom as a help around the house and a female confidant, they became close friends.
During her teenage years, Ruth had many friends and a vibrant social life. Even though the family farm was in a rural location, it wasn’t uncommon for young men to find out where she lived. Without bus service, she and her brother Richard would drive the ’54 Chev to get to the High School in Morden. This allowed Ruth to go on to Red River College for her nursing.
Her faith in Jesus was always an important part of her life. As a young woman she was baptised at Bethel Church. She enjoyed serving as a Sunday School teacher, but her true passion was singing. Over the years she sang at many weddings and other celebrations. She sang at countless church services, often together with her brother Richard. Nursing was another passion of hers, she loved caring for people. After she earned her nursing diploma, she worked in several different health care facilities, always making friends along the way.
In 1968 she married Frank Klassen, they made their home in Winnipeg. In 1975 they welcomed their son Darrell into their lives. She continued to be a loving mother, wife and nurse until her MS cut her career short. Even when her MS made life more and more difficult, her faith and contentment continued.
Frank, along with some homecare support, was instrumental in keeping Ruth in their home for many years. This past year in November, when life at home became too difficult, she was admitted into Salem Home. She was very appreciative of the loving care she received and the variety of activities. On April 6th, she was admitted to hospital with pneumonia. Her condition continued to decline over the next days, and she passed away on the morning of April 30th.
She was predeceased by her parents Abe and Elizabeth (Janzen) Letkeman, stepmother Margaret (Harder) Letkeman, brother Bob and nephew Ryan. Parents-in-law Frank & Mary Klassen.
Ruth grew up on a farm south of Morden in the Wakeham School District. Being one of the oldest siblings and the only girl, she was kept busy with many household chores. She lost her mom at the age of 12, and this proved to be a very difficult time in her life. This meant she was now responsible for even more household duties. At the age of 14, she welcomed her stepmom as a help around the house and a female confidant, they became close friends.
During her teenage years, Ruth had many friends and a vibrant social life. Even though the family farm was in a rural location, it wasn’t uncommon for young men to find out where she lived. Without bus service, she and her brother Richard would drive the ’54 Chev to get to the High School in Morden. This allowed Ruth to go on to Red River College for her nursing.
Her faith in Jesus was always an important part of her life. As a young woman she was baptised at Bethel Church. She enjoyed serving as a Sunday School teacher, but her true passion was singing. Over the years she sang at many weddings and other celebrations. She sang at countless church services, often together with her brother Richard. Nursing was another passion of hers, she loved caring for people. After she earned her nursing diploma, she worked in several different health care facilities, always making friends along the way.
In 1968 she married Frank Klassen, they made their home in Winnipeg. In 1975 they welcomed their son Darrell into their lives. She continued to be a loving mother, wife and nurse until her MS cut her career short. Even when her MS made life more and more difficult, her faith and contentment continued.
Frank, along with some homecare support, was instrumental in keeping Ruth in their home for many years. This past year in November, when life at home became too difficult, she was admitted into Salem Home. She was very appreciative of the loving care she received and the variety of activities. On April 6th, she was admitted to hospital with pneumonia. Her condition continued to decline over the next days, and she passed away on the morning of April 30th.
