Ruth Blanchard

Ruth Helen Blanchard passed away peacefully, at her home away from home, The Pines, on April 3, 2020 at the age of 89.

Ruth was born in Mallorytown, ON and moved with her family to Bracebridge where she met and married the love of her life, Bill Blanchard.  They bought a home together upon Bill’s returning from WWII where they raised their three children, Leeanne (Nielsen), Wayne and Henry.

Ruth was a long time employee of Bell Canada but was most well known for her employment with the Town of Bracebridge where her welcoming smile and sharp wit was a fixture at both the arena and community centre.

Family was everything to Ruth. Her favourite things in life were simple and included time with family.  Friday night cards with her siblings and their partners was a constant in their life.  From early spring to late fall, most days were spent in the place she loved to be the most, the garden with Bill by her side.  Her humorous, fun loving tales of the past were always eagerly anticipated at family dinners and special occasions, by her grandsons, William, Ryan and Trent.

Ruth was heartbreakingly predeceased by her loving husband, Bill (1986) and daughter, Leeanne (2008)

Life with Ruth was always filled with love, humour and much laughter. She will be forever missed by her sons, Wayne and Henry (Alison), grandsons, William Nielsen, Ryan and Trent (Michelle) and great grandson, Liam. She has also left behind her loving sister Marie Glass and brother, Jim Lang (Betty) and a number of other loving relatives and close friends. Predeceased by her brothers Joe and Douglas and sister, Keitha Boyer.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to the extra special staff at The Pines who have become part of Ruth’s extended family in her home away from home. Their extraordinary care, genuine warmth and kindness is immeasurably appreciated and will never be forgotten.  The greatest and warmest of gratitude goes out to Dr. Keith Cross for his years of exceptional medical care and friendship.

In light of social distancing and the current COVID-19 pandemic, the family has decided to plan a gathering of family and friends at a date to be established later in 2020. Memorial donations in Ruth’s name can be made to the The Pines, SMMH Foundation, Muskoka OSPCA