Ruth Abraham

Ruth was born to Selena and Duncan McArthur, May 13, 1922, at Shoal Lake, Manitoba. She had two older brothers, John and James.

The family soon moved to Dryden, Ontario, where Ruth grew up and completed 12 grades of school. After graduation, she moved to Winnipeg,, and while working in a shoe store, met a prairie farmer, Tommy Abraham, who was visiting for the weekend.

After a courtship of letter-writing and the occasional phone call, they were married November 23, 1949, and RuthÕs life began as a farm wife in North Portal, Saskatchewan.

They worked at the mixed farming operation, but times were tough and money was scarce. A daughter, Judy, was born in 1952. Needing a more productive occupation, Tommy trained at the Regina School of Barbering and moved his family to Estevan in 1957 where he soon began a 35-year career.

Ruth worked at various positions to provide her share for a comfortable lifestyle. Employment included WhitbyÕs Hardware, HahnÕs Plumbing and Heating, and finally a Òtrain-on-the-job positionÓ as dental assistant/denturist for Drs. Davies and Kozloski.

Ruth strongly supported her family. While Tommy held band practices in the rumpus room, she would be preparing a small banquet upstairs for everyone involved. She made sure that Judy attended professional piano instruction. Her favourite selection would always be ÒPiano Roll Blues.Ó

Ruth was a wonderful cook, and will be remembered for her Òmelt-in-your-mouthÓ pies at the weekly FarmersÕ Markets. She enjoyed curling, and later in life, golfing. Both Tom and Ruth were active members of the Estevan Elks and Royal Purple Lodges, where Ruth is a ÒLife-Time Member.Ó They both attended and supported St. PaulÕs United Church. Ruth sang in the choir, as well as the Estevan Chapter of Sweet Adelines.

In 1974 Judy married Maurice Koszman, settled in Bengough, Saskatchewan, and within the next nine years, three grandchildren were born É Janet, Steven and Darryl. They were the centre of RuthÕs new life as ÒGrandma.Ó

Years passed along and along came retirement. Tom and Ruth spent a lot of their time driving a small motorhome to FiddlersÕ contests.

In 1990, RuthÕs life changed dramatically when Tommy suddenly passed away. However, she tried her best to enjoy the remaining years. Granddaughter Janet married Mitch Mercredi in 2001, and RuthÕs life changed again when, in 2003, Great Granddaughter Sydney, and 2004, Great Grandson Eric came along.

When her health began to fail dramatically, Ruth moved to Bengough in 2004 for her final residence at the Bengough Nursing Home.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, May 8, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. from St. PaulÕs United Church, Estevan, Sask., with Rev. M.D. Barnabas officiating. Interment followed in Souris Valley Memorial Gardens, Estevan, Sask. The pallbearers were: Darryl and Steven Koszman, Mitch Mercredi, Donald and Wayne Abraham and Robert Custer. Members of the Estevan Royal Purple formed an Honour Guard.

For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Ruth to the Elks Fund for Children.

Arrangements were in care of Hastings-Dionne Funeral Home Inc., Weyburn, Sask. (842-6662).