Ruth Elizabeth Grace Klassen

It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our loving mom, on April 10th 2024, at her home at the age of 74 years.

Ruth was predeceased by both of her parents, granddaughter Tabatha, sister Vicki.

Ruth will be deeply missed by her loving husband of 54 years Abe. Her son, Russ & Tami, her daughter Cindi, grandchildren Paige & Jesse, Bailey, Chandler, Carson, Myah, Calysta and Xander. 10 siblings and their spouses, 4 in-laws and their spouses, many nieces and nephews and more. Ruth will also be missed by many lifelong friends. Ruth was born on November 14th,1949 and she was the middle child of twelve. Ruth was born in Steinbach Manitoba to parents Walter and Helen Penner. Ruth grew up in Steinbach and attended school there. Ruth may have been short in height but she was full of life. Ruth knew how to live life to the fullest. Ruth met the love of her life at Johnny’s Grill in Steinbach. Abe and Ruth dated for a year before they were married and due to some legendary pranks, that would occur on day of a wedding, Abe walked Ruth down the aisle to make sure she made it there. The two of them were married on a beautiful summer day, August 30th 1969. They first lived in a small apartment on Main Street in Steinbach before they moved to Winnipeg, where they lived in an apartment until Russ was born and then they moved into a house in Transcona, where they lived for a few years before moving back to Steinbach to live on the farm. They lived on the farm for few more years before they moved to Rosewood Drive in Steinbach. Together they built their forever home. Ruth made every house a home and would keep everything in immaculate condition. Ruth and Abe enjoyed countless vacations together in Jamaica, Mexico, Spain and other destinations. Ruth was an incredible bookkeeper, and helped Abe run a successful electrical business for many years. Ruth had an amazing ability to organize and keep important papers, all of which we would give her a hard time about, followed by a thank you for keeping those papers because we would eventually need to see them. Ruth loved to entertain, she loved music, dancing and being around her closest friends. Whether it was at their home, a friend’s home or at a cottage, Ruth simply loved life. Ruth also loved to can. Her pickles were legendary as she had perfected the recipe. If you were lucky enough, she would gift you a jar. Ruth enjoyed curling and made many friends at the curling club throughout the years. Ruth also enjoyed golf. Ruth and Abe could be found on the links during the summer months.

Ruth loved her family. Especially when everyone would gather around the dining room table for meals and celebrations. Ruth had the brightest smile and the most beautiful eyes; she could really light up a room. Ruth was incredibly proud of all of her grandchildren and all of their accomplishments.

The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to Steinbach EMS, Steinbach RCMP, and Crossings Funeral Care for their care and compassion.

A come and go Celebration of Life for Ruth will be on Sunday, May 5th, 2024, from 1 PM to 4 PM with a brief program at 2 PM at Crossings Funeral Care 12E-40 North Gate Drive Steinbach Manitoba R5G 2T9.

Dance like no one is watching.