Obituary of Ruth Agnes Thompson

We bid farewell to our dear mom, grandma, and great grandma, Ruth Thompson. She passed away Thursday, April 2 at the age of 93. Agnes Ruth Thompson, born February 25, 1927, was the daughter of Armine (nee Anderson) and Clayton Kerr. She’s missed by her children, Bill, Murray (Marian, predeceased 2018), Cherylyn (David Dick), and Barry (Paula). Her brothers Claude (Marilyn), Clayton and Fred (Linda), as well as sister-in-law Mildred, mourn her as well. She’s predeceased by her husband Robert (2016), son Paul (1986), her parents, and siblings, Burritt, Euris and Clare. Ruth was a proud grandmother of Marc, Danielle, Lesley (Laurent Santini), Curtis, Ryan (Kate), Lindsey (Chris Bond), Allison, Elizabeth, Joseph and Sarah. She leaves behind great-grandchildren Jack, Finn and Rhys, and Brielle and Henley. She will be missed for her warmth and kindness, her generosity, her desserts and her hospitality. She leaves an incredible legacy of kindness, diligence, the importance of family, and that you can never have too many desserts to choose from. But she was more than all that. In her younger days she was a trailblazer - a working mother who started her own business when other mothers were staying home. She lived fully through the whirlwind of raising five children, running a business, supporting Bob with his business and devoting time to family, friends and volunteer service. Ruth was a hard worker. She first learned this as a young girl growing up the third oldest of seven children. There were only two girls in the family and they learned early how to clean, garden and make meals for the family. As a teenager, Ruth worked at Reid’s store. She learned a lot about retail. Over time she had the responsibility of going to Toronto to order merchandise for Reid’s. All this experience set her on her path. On the relationship side of her life, she met Bob who swept her off her feet. They married in October 1947. In 1950 she opened Ruth’s Dress Salon - which would later be known as Thompson’s Ready to Wear. By that time she was a mother of one - Bill. The family lived in the back of the store on Bolton St. Her store hours were 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. She described the house/store as three rooms with the living room curtained off to create a fitting room for customers.Through the 1950s three more little Thompsons joined the family - Murray, Cherylyn and Paul. By 1960 the store needed more space and so did the family. They bought the house at the end of Bolton St. and quickly set to work to build an addition before the arrival of their fifth child, Barry. Through the 60s and 70s Ruth continued to expand her business offering the latest styles for men, women and children. At home she looked after the household, helped the children with school work, drove them to their activities, volunteered as a Sunday School teacher and helped Bob with his business, as well as his political pursuits. She was always welcoming of guests and hosted family gatherings of 40 or more people regularly over the years. Ruth was an excellent cook, and an extraordinary baker. It was common for there to be two or more dessert choices along with a plate of cookies and squares at dinner time. Ruth was a trailblazer in work-life balance as well. She and Bob travelled with the children at least once each year to a sunny destination. They travelled to California, Mexico and Florida but eventually discovered Hawaii and returned there for decades. Her travels weren’t limited to beach destinations. She and Bob enjoyed trips to Japan, South Africa, England as well as excursions through eastern and western Canada and the United States. She was also devoted to the Eastern Star, serving as Worthy Grand Matron in 1980. Graduations and weddings marked the late 70s and 1980s. As grandchildren arrived, Ruth carved time out of running the business to spend time with the babies. She and Bob looked forward to visits with the grandchildren and watched them grow to adulthood with pride.She was always keen to participate in her grandchildren’s important milestones like arts performances, sports events,graduations, and weddings. She was never happier than when the family gathered together. She leaves an incredible legacy of kindness, diligence, the importance of family, and that you can never have too many desserts to choose from. Arrangements entrusted to THE HENDREN FUNERAL HOMES, MONK CHAPEL. A private family burial has taken place and a Celebration of Ruth’s life will take place at a later date. Friends and family may, if desired, make a donation in Ruth’s memory to Trinity United Church or Pinecrest Nursing Home Resident’s Fund. Condolences and/or donations can be made by visiting www.hendrenfuneralhome.com or by calling 705-738-3222.