Dicks, Ruth

Ruth Dicks, a resident of Glacier Ridge Retirement Home, passed away early Sunday morning, May 15, at St. Joseph's Hospital, with her family by her side. Born in Port Arthur on June 21, 1917, Ruth grew up in Kaministiquia, where her father was the CNR station master. Her family moved to Port Arthur when she was twelve. Ruth entered the School of Nursing at St. Joseph's Hospital in 1936, graduating in 1939 as a proud RN. She returned to her career in the 1960s, working as a social worker with the Children's Aid Society. Ruth met the love of her life, Vern Dicks, in 1940, and they were married in 1942. They celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary in 2000. Ruth participated in many sports when younger, and she enjoyed curling, cross country skiing, and golf in her adult years. She was active in her UCW group at Knox Shuniah United Church - Group 5 was a force to be reckoned with! - and she was a member of the congregation for more than sixty years. Ruth was an avid bridge player...and she didn't mind risking a nickel or two in a friendly poker game! She seized every opportunity to travel. She and Vern took vicarious pleasure in their daughter's far-flung adventures, occasionally joining her in a variety of locations. Ruth enjoyed being with people in any venue - family and friends were the touchstones of her life. Ruth was predeceased by her infant son John Stewart, husband Vernon, parents Martina and Axel, brothers Ray (Taimi) and Martin Johnson. She is survived by her daughter Karen, sisters-in-law Alda (Doug) Asquith and Mazie Johnson, brother-in-law Ken (Pearl) Dicks, numerous nieces and nephews, and her dear childhood friend Elsie Dumbrell. A funeral service will be held at Knox Shuniah United Church on Thursday, May 19 at 2 pm, with Rev. Jean Udall officiating. A private internment will take place at a later date. If friends so wish, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Knox Shuniah United Church, St. Joseph's Hospital fifth floor, or Grace Place Ministries.