1920- 2013
Ruth Lyall Gunning was born in Newry, Ontario on November 5, 1920 and passed away March 13, 2013 in her 93rd year.
At the age of 19, she married Maxwell Gunning and soon had two daughters Barbara Elizabeth and Beverley Maxine.
Ruth was a wonderful Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother and a wonderful friend to many.
Before coming to Courtenay and after Max passed away, Ruth worked at West Lincoln Memorial Hospital in Grimsby, Ontario as an Admission’s Clerk.
Max, also worked at West Lincoln as the Maintenance Supervisor at the time of his passing. Ruth retired at the age of 63 and moved to Courtenay, B.C. to be closer to her daughters and their families. In Courtenay she continued her hospital involvement by joining the St. Joseph’s Hospital Auxiliary. In
1987, with her inspiration and the help of the other Auxiliary
members the St. Joseph’s Hospital Thrift Shop was opened.
Ruth was an active member of St. George’s United Church in Courtenay, and also the Canadian Daughters. While living in Ontario she was a member of St. John’s Presbyterian Church in Grimsby.
Ruth was predeceased by her husband Max in 1969. She was also predeceased by her parents Mildred and Lome McMane and five of her six siblings; Charlie, Feme, Eric, Vera and Neale.
She is survived by her two daughters Barbara Metcalfe (Philip) and Beverley (Bryan) Zimmerman. She is also survived by her five grandchildren Bradley (Michelle), Trevor (Elizabeth) and Maxwell Mark (Denise) Zimmerman, Brent (Linda) Metcalfe and Beverley Metcalfe (Malcolm) and her six great grandchildren and their extended families.
Her final years were spent Living in Glacier View Lodge surrounded by her loving caregivers for whom she always had a big smile. We can’t thank enough, the Glacier View Lodge’s supportive staff for the love and caring they gave our Mom.
Memorial donations in memory of Ruth may be made to Glacier View Lodge, 2450 Back Road, Courtenay or to the Comox Valley Hospice Society, 2137 Comox Ave, Comox, B.C.
Memorial Service to be held at St. George’s United Church, 505 6th Street, Courtenay on Thursday, April 11, 2013 at 3 pm.