Ruby Martinuk

RUBY LOTTIE (SILLITO) MARTINUK passed away peacefully in her sleep at St. Michael's Health Centre in Lethbridge on Thursday, January 25, 2007 at age 86. Ruby fought a courageous battle with cancer during the past year, showing much grace and dignity. She is the mother of Karen (Tom) Smart, Gay (Bob) Sauerwein, Ted (Marlise) Sillito, Tom Martinuk, Judy (Gary) Wojtowicz, all of Lethbridge, Rhonda Hamilton of Calgary, Tyler Martinuk of Vancouver, and Randy (Wendy) Martinuk of Medicine Hat. She leaves behind 15 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, and 7 great great grandchildren. She is also survived by one sister, Fern (Kay) Leishman of Lethbridge, and numerous nieces and nephews. Ruby is predeceased by her parents, Alfred and Maud (Neilson) Sillito, her first husband, LeRoy Sillito in 1943, and her second husband Nick Martinuk in 1975. She is also predeceased by sisters Faudna Orr, Gretta Svenson, Melva Tolley, and brother Delmar Sillito. Ruby was born in Creston, BC on March 14, 1920, and was raised mainly in Orton, Woolford, and Rathwell, Alberta. At the age of 6 years, her mother passed away, and Ruby was raised by her father and her oldest sisters, Faunda and Gretta. Ruby was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and had a strong testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. She held many positions in the Church over the years, and worked many years in the French Extraction Program. Ruby enjoyed such hobbies as crafts, camping, dancing, playing keyboard, and cards. She loved family gatherings and attending Reunions, and both immediate and extended family were very important to her. She always had a twinkle in her eye, a smile on her face, and a happy disposition. She maintained her positive attitude and her sense of humor through all her struggles. She never complained, and always accepted whatever came her way and carried on. She was such a courageous example to all of us, and we will miss her dearly, but rejoice as she reunites with those gone on before her. Funeral Services will be held in THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS, Lethbridge Stake Centre, 2410-28 Street South, Lethbridge on Tuesday, January 30, 2007 at 2:00 p.m., with Bishop Steve Kutanzi officiating. Friends may meet the family prior to the service at the church from 1:00 to 1:45 p.m. Interment to follow in the Mountain View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 317-10 Street South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 2M7; or to the Alzheimer Society of Lethbridge, 426-5 Street South, Box 25007, Lethbridge Centre, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4P6.

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