Ruth Evelyn Epler (nee Fry)
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ruth Evelyn Epler on May 12, 2026 while surrounded by loved ones. Ruth was the beloved wife, of 50 years, to Jake Epler. She was the mother to Clinton Epler, Cynthia (Dana) Trenaman, Fay McEachern and Kristin Magner. A grandmother to Patrick (Jodi) Epler, Tracey (Alex) Epler, Joel (Kaeleigh) Trenaman, Janelle Trenaman, Chad, Trisha (Chase) and Kirk McEachern, and Jason (Lisa) Magner. And, a great grandmother to Axel, Otto, Prairie, Evan, Jaxon, Alekzander, and Sylvie.
Ruth is survived by sister Jean McClure. Ruth was predeceased by her parents Garnet and Gertrude Fry, in-laws Charlotte & Jacob Epler, husband Jake Epler, brothers-in-law John McClure and Hank Wallin, sister Helen Wallin, and most recently her daughter-in-law Kelly Epler.
Ruth was born on February 11, 1934 in Winnipeg. She grew up and attended school in St. James. Ruth worked for the telephone company at the time that she met Dad. They married November 7, 1952. Mom managed to settle into farm life and small town living quickly as soon us children were underfoot. Most school days we had a freshly baked treat waiting for us when we got off the bus. Sunday's were special, especially at supper time as we usually had "drop-in's" sharing a healthy main course and tasty dessert around the 4-leaf dining room table. As a farm wife, Mom was capable of working the fields, driving the combine or starting that stubborn auger. She dressed for the job with ruby red lips and a scarf around her blonde curls. Mom also enjoyed her part time job at Kliewer’s General Store/Brunkild Post Office.
As children we enjoyed our summer cabin at Big Whiteshell Lake. Mom insisted we took swimming lessons, had beach time, boating time, discovery time and cool treats from the nearby store.
After the Flood of the Century Mom and Dad moved to Winnipeg. Back in 'The City' Mom joined various organizations where she met many women and created cherished friendships. She enjoyed Tai Chi, as a participant and instructor for 27 years. Never once did she refuse an opportunity to spending time looking after her many grandchildren. Mom always was loving, supportive and willing to help out. Last summer she was still driving her Escape and checking up on us, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mom also never lost touch with her Brunkild friends and neighbours.
Mom loved to travel. Some of her favourite destinations included England, Germany, Italy, California Rose Bowl parade, East Coast of Canada and trips to Texas with Dad and solo.
Ruth will be dearly missed by everyone that loved her.
The family would like to thank the Grace Hospital staff for their caring and support during the last two months.
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ruth Evelyn Epler on May 12, 2026 while surrounded by loved ones. Ruth was the beloved wife, of 50 years, to Jake Epler. She was the mother to Clinton Epler, Cynthia (Dana) Trenaman, Fay McEachern and Kristin Magner. A grandmother to Patrick (Jodi) Epler, Tracey (Alex) Epler, Joel (Kaeleigh) Trenaman, Janelle Trenaman, Chad, Trisha (Chase) and Kirk McEachern, and Jason (Lisa) Magner. And, a great grandmother to Axel, Otto, Prairie, Evan, Jaxon, Alekzander, and Sylvie.
Ruth is survived by sister Jean McClure. Ruth was predeceased by her parents Garnet and Gertrude Fry, in-laws Charlotte & Jacob Epler, husband Jake Epler, brothers-in-law John McClure and Hank Wallin, sister Helen Wallin, and most recently her daughter-in-law Kelly Epler.
Ruth was born on February 11, 1934 in Winnipeg. She grew up and attended school in St. James. Ruth worked for the telephone company at the time that she met Dad. They married November 7, 1952. Mom managed to settle into farm life and small town living quickly as soon us children were underfoot. Most school days we had a freshly baked treat waiting for us when we got off the bus. Sunday's were special, especially at supper time as we usually had "drop-in's" sharing a healthy main course and tasty dessert around the 4-leaf dining room table. As a farm wife, Mom was capable of working the fields, driving the combine or starting that stubborn auger. She dressed for the job with ruby red lips and a scarf around her blonde curls. Mom also enjoyed her part time job at Kliewer’s General Store/Brunkild Post Office.
As children we enjoyed our summer cabin at Big Whiteshell Lake. Mom insisted we took swimming lessons, had beach time, boating time, discovery time and cool treats from the nearby store.
After the Flood of the Century Mom and Dad moved to Winnipeg. Back in 'The City' Mom joined various organizations where she met many women and created cherished friendships. She enjoyed Tai Chi, as a participant and instructor for 27 years. Never once did she refuse an opportunity to spending time looking after her many grandchildren. Mom always was loving, supportive and willing to help out. Last summer she was still driving her Escape and checking up on us, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mom also never lost touch with her Brunkild friends and neighbours.
Mom loved to travel. Some of her favourite destinations included England, Germany, Italy, California Rose Bowl parade, East Coast of Canada and trips to Texas with Dad and solo.
Ruth will be dearly missed by everyone that loved her.
The family would like to thank the Grace Hospital staff for their caring and support during the last two months.