On September 25, 2024, Ruth Toews passed away at BTHC. Ruth leaves to mourn her husband of 52 years, Elmer Toews; her son, Conrad (Diane), and children Rachel (Eric), Madison (Samuel), Grace (Nathaniel); son, Mark (Teresa), and children Jaden (Emily) and Saylor, Aliya, Rowan; son, Evan (Nanci), and children Adria, Rylan, Karli, Taryn; son, Dale (Candace), and children Renna, Nathaniel, Brynlee. She is also survived by two sisters, one brother, and four sisters-in-law.
Ruth is predeceased by her parents, William L. and Mary Enns, two brothers, parents-in-law, David and Helena Toews, four brothers-in-law, and three sisters-in-law.
Ruth was born on April 2, 1949 in Winkler, Manitoba and grew up in the village of Schanzenfeld, where she made many childhood friends that turned into lifelong friendships. On June 9, 1968, she was baptized in the Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church. Her faith in Christ continued to be important to her throughout her life.
Mom worked at the Bethel Hospital in Winkler, where she enjoyed caring for others. In the fall of 1970, Mom and Dad were set up on a blind date. This date would turn into 52 years of marriage, 4 sons, 13 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. Mom and Dad were married on June 18, 1972. They started their married life in Altona. On the day they were expecting the arrival of their first child, they were surprised to learn they were having twins. After adding Conrad and Mark they moved the family to Schoenthal where Mom enjoyed a busy household, later adding 2 more sons, Evan and Dale. With patience, a calm demeanor and a great sense of humor, she managed this household of busy boys extremely well. She continued to demonstrate these attributes her whole life impacting everyone she knew.
In 1984, Mom and Dad decided to relocate to Schanzenfeld, where Mom thrived in village life with many family members close by, many coffee dates with friends, volunteering in school, neighborhood Bible studies, and so much more. When the boys were all in school, she began working at Salem Home until her health didn’t allow it. As the boys began to get married, Mom always said she was thankful to be able to add daughters to her family. Mom was thrilled with the birth of each of the 13 grandchildren. She made each grandchild feel loved and special. Three days before she passed, she was able to hold her first great grandchild.
With a diagnosis of MS, Conrad becoming extremely ill, and the recent loss of her mother, 2002 was especially tough on Mom. During this time her faith was an example to us all.
As MS crippled her physically she required more care, spending the last 3 years in hospital and Salem Home, remaining positive, determined, and solid in her faith. She was an encouragement to all that visited her, never afraid to give advice, share and demonstrate her faith and offer a witty comment.
Mom, together with Dad, are an example of faithful commitment to God and each other. Mom’s life was well lived, loving God and loving others unconditionally.
Thanks to the staff at BTHC, Swan Lake Hospital and Salem Home as well as Bethel pastors for the care provided. Thank you also to each and every visitor that came to see mom.
Burial will take place prior to the service at Westridge Memorial Gardens at 12:00 p.m.
Ruth is predeceased by her parents, William L. and Mary Enns, two brothers, parents-in-law, David and Helena Toews, four brothers-in-law, and three sisters-in-law.
Ruth was born on April 2, 1949 in Winkler, Manitoba and grew up in the village of Schanzenfeld, where she made many childhood friends that turned into lifelong friendships. On June 9, 1968, she was baptized in the Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church. Her faith in Christ continued to be important to her throughout her life.
Mom worked at the Bethel Hospital in Winkler, where she enjoyed caring for others. In the fall of 1970, Mom and Dad were set up on a blind date. This date would turn into 52 years of marriage, 4 sons, 13 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. Mom and Dad were married on June 18, 1972. They started their married life in Altona. On the day they were expecting the arrival of their first child, they were surprised to learn they were having twins. After adding Conrad and Mark they moved the family to Schoenthal where Mom enjoyed a busy household, later adding 2 more sons, Evan and Dale. With patience, a calm demeanor and a great sense of humor, she managed this household of busy boys extremely well. She continued to demonstrate these attributes her whole life impacting everyone she knew.
In 1984, Mom and Dad decided to relocate to Schanzenfeld, where Mom thrived in village life with many family members close by, many coffee dates with friends, volunteering in school, neighborhood Bible studies, and so much more. When the boys were all in school, she began working at Salem Home until her health didn’t allow it. As the boys began to get married, Mom always said she was thankful to be able to add daughters to her family. Mom was thrilled with the birth of each of the 13 grandchildren. She made each grandchild feel loved and special. Three days before she passed, she was able to hold her first great grandchild.
With a diagnosis of MS, Conrad becoming extremely ill, and the recent loss of her mother, 2002 was especially tough on Mom. During this time her faith was an example to us all.
As MS crippled her physically she required more care, spending the last 3 years in hospital and Salem Home, remaining positive, determined, and solid in her faith. She was an encouragement to all that visited her, never afraid to give advice, share and demonstrate her faith and offer a witty comment.
Mom, together with Dad, are an example of faithful commitment to God and each other. Mom’s life was well lived, loving God and loving others unconditionally.
Thanks to the staff at BTHC, Swan Lake Hospital and Salem Home as well as Bethel pastors for the care provided. Thank you also to each and every visitor that came to see mom.
Burial will take place prior to the service at Westridge Memorial Gardens at 12:00 p.m.