We Remember

JARRETT, Ruth Birgitte

June 18, 1933 — December 7, 2025

Ruth Birgitte Jarrett (née Nicolaysen) died peacefully on December 7, 2025, an incredible Mum to Kirsti (Roy), Ingrid, Roland, Lisa (Terry); and a dedicated Grandma to Dylan, Sean, Emma, Amy, Megan, Kari, Liam, Hanna, Freya, and Elliot.

Ruth was born in Halden, Norway in 1933. She met Tony Jarrett in the summer of 1952, on a blind date, while he was working in Halden as a summer student. After their marriage in 1955, Ruth and Tony immigrated to B.C. They had 62 wonderful years of marriage together until Tony’s death in 2017.

They first arrived in the Cariboo, living in McCalister, Likely, McLeese Lake and many small places in between. They then moved to the mountains, making Revelstoke and Golden their home for a number of years. Next came Port Coquitlam, Kelowna, Kamloops, Vancouver, and a return to Kelowna in 1995 after Tony’s retirement. Throughout the places Ruth and Tony lived and travelled, which were many, they created and nurtured deep and long-lasting friendships.

For those who knew Ruth, they knew of her kind, calm, generous, creative spirit. Mum was also an avid reader and gardener, a good cook and quietly intelligent. She had a deep affinity for music, art, good food and family gatherings. Ruth expressed her creativity through knitting, spinning, weaving, and basketry. She had a good eye for colour and a strong sense of design. She began her journey into the fibre arts in Kelowna in the 1970s, and she was hooked! After that, Ruth joined guilds in all the places she lived and again when she and Tony retired to Kelowna. Guild members continued to inspire her, and she was always keen to try something new when it came to creating anything fibre.

Mum loved family, and she taught us by example to embrace and value both family and community. Mum welcomed everyone into her home with a warm embrace, and she loved to listen to what friends and family had to share. In the late 1970s Big White became another warm gathering place for family and friends where there always seemed to be enough, and the door was always open. With great appreciation, this legacy has been passed on to her children and grandchildren.

Mum shared a passion for tradition, and we are all grateful to have shared many a Norwegian breakfast, baking, and other countless home-cooked meals. Later in life, we could find Mum sitting by the fire, enjoying a small scotch or a sherry, often with a piece of good dark chocolate, reading an interesting book or magazine.

Mum was a big part of our lives, and she will be deeply missed by her family, as well as by the Hopkinsons and Hamiltons with whom she had a special and deep connection, and many others.

As the spring was Ruth’s favourite season, a Celebration of Life will be held on June 6, 2026. More details to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, and honouring Ruth’s love of music, please consider donations to the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

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Okanagan Symphony Orchestra Link: www.okanagansymphony.com

 


 


Condolences

  • Darlene Horne says:

    Oh Ingrid and family I am so sorry to hear of your loss.. I never had the opportunity to meet your mom more than once but she made quite an impact even with just that one visit I’m sure she will leave a huge void in your lives .She will live on through the family and friends she leaves behind . Please take the time to comfort each other during this very difficult and sad time for you .
    Sending you and your family lots of love and know that I will be thinking of you .🌹

  • Nancy Webb says:

    Thinking of you Ingrid and your family as you celebrate and remember the wonderful legacy your mother leaves behind. May those memories give you comfort and peace at this sad time.

    Sincerely Nancy and George Webb

  • David & Jo Jarrett says:

    Sending our thoughts as we move to Norway. Whilst we only met her a handful of times, we have felt her passing. Hoping the whole family will be able to share good memories of Ruth in June. David & Jo

  • Lynn Heinrich says:

    Condolences to the Jarrett family, their extended relatives, and close friends. She was a devoted, affectionate, and gifted individual. May cherished memories offer solace.

  • Martha Collins says:

    Hi Ingrid: I am so sorry you have lost your mom and am sending you a big hug. Take care, love, Martha.

  • Kathy & Bill Clark says:

    Kistie, Ingrid, Roland & Lisa and families, our condolences to your family from ours, you will miss your Mom very much, she was a lovely lady. Kathy & Bill Clark, Irena and Jim Leadbeater, Rose and Carl Robinson from New Zealand.

  • Denice says:

    Hugs to you Lisa and Kirsti. Your Mom was a gentle soul and I loved crossing paths with her at spin-ins! I could see that you helped her out a lot. She was fortunate to have you!

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