Ruth Marion Smith
April 23, 1922 – December 11, 2020
Ruth Marion (McDonald) Smith who left this plane at 98 years of age has been called by family and friends “very special”, “chipper and pleasant”, “a wonderful role model on how to grow old”, and a woman with “a quiet strength, kindness, and good humour.”
She passed in the early morning on December 11 in Banff at St. Martha’s Place at Mineral Springs Hospital.
Ruth was born, raised, and lived in Toronto until she was 74, then, following her family, she moved to Saskatoon, then Banff. That family included son Steven Ross Smith, daughter-in-law Jacqueline Jill Robinson, and grandson Emmett H Robinson Smith.
In her long life Ruth experienced love, loss, heartbreak, a bit of factory work, homemaking – baking delicious pies – travel, wine and family. With husband Clarence Smith she brought two spirits into the world – Steven in 1945, and in 1953, Susan, who lived for just over one year. After divorce Ruth met Tom Currah and they had a happy fulfilling time for a decade, travelling to Florida, Hawaii and England.
Ruth was well-loved by her nieces and nephews, Susan, Diane, Joan, Carol, Ken, Gail, Wayne, Nancy and other extended family members and friends. She was predeceased by her mother Edith Thompson and father John McDonald, her brothers Ross and Jack, and sisters Helen and Grace.
Ruth loved living in Banff in Cascade House and then at St. Martha’s Place where she was active and lucid and traded jokes, rode the stationary bike, ate chocolate, and listened to audiobooks until quite near her last days. She was well and affectionately cared for by the fine staff there.
A remembering occasion, will occur in January (date TBA) most likely by ZOOM and if you would like to be informed of this event or be invited, please email [email protected]. If you wish, please donate to Banff Mineral Springs Hospital via Covenant Health Foundation, or to the charity of your choice, in Ruth’s name.
Though she passed in these COVID-19 days, she did not succumb to the virus, but simply to age. Up to her final moments, and in her time on this earth, she was graced with a strong constitution, an overcome-it attitude, and a life well-lived.
