We Remember

GALINIS, Ruth Louise (née Smith)

April 11, 1926 — April 7, 2024

Ruth Galinis passed away peacefully at the Kelowna Hospice House in the early hours of April 7, 2024, at the age of 97.  She is lovingly remembered by her son, Tom of Port Moody, and daughter, Joanne (Greg), and grandchildren, Cameron, Emma, Jacob, and Julia Ursel of Calgary and Ottawa.  Predeceased by her husband, Albert; father, George, mother, Lillian; sisters Margaret, Wilda, and Ethel; and brothers Edward and George. She will be dearly missed by relatives and friends in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and PEI.

Ruth was born April 11, 1926, in Woodstock, Ontario and after graduating from high school at 16, she went to work for the Massey-Harris Tractor Company. In 1950, she moved to Prince George, BC where she met her husband, Albert, marrying him in August 1952. She initially worked in the Prince George government offices and then as a legal secretary with the law firm of Wilson King. In 1973, she moved with her family when Albert was transferred to Kelowna.

Ruth was very active in the U.C.W. groups of Knox United Church in Prince George and St. Paul’s United Church in Kelowna.  She was a volunteer at K.G.H. in Emergency; the BC Cancer Clinic; and as a St Paul’s United Pastoral Care member, she was a frequent visitor to Cottonwoods LTC.  She loved talking with people of all ages, enjoyed her Thursday coffee meetings at the Capri Mall with the girls, and had a passion for growing African Violets.

The family would like to thank the medical staff in Emergency at Kelowna General Hospital; the medical staff on Ward 4A of K.G.H.; the nursing staff of Kelowna Hospice House for their care and compassion in the last days of her life; and the staff of I.H.R. Senior’s Mental Health.  Special thanks to Drs. Wickstrom and Swart for the wonderful care they gave Ruth for many years.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the charity of choice.

A Celebration of Life will be held on WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 2024, at 10:00 AM, at SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME: 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. Interment will take place at Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery.

If you are unable to attend the service in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below), a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.

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

LIVESTREAM:

Service
Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at 10:00 AM

Location
Springfield Funeral Home

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Canadian Cancer Society Link: www.cancer.ca

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for GALINIS, Ruth Louise (née Smith) is scheduled for Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at 10:00 AM. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Springfield Funeral Home

2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna BC

Phone:

Special Requests:

None.

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Condolences

  • ROBERT and TRUDY REID says:
    April 19, 2024 at 1:02 pm

    Fond memories of time spent with Ruth and Albert. Aunt Ruth was a warm, caring and gracious soul who blessed many
    throughout every season of her life.
    Sincere condolences to the entire family. Bob and Trudy Reid

    Reply
  • Bill Reid says:
    April 19, 2024 at 3:07 pm

    My sincere condolences to Joanne and Tom and families on the loss of your mother. Although many years have passed since I last saw her my memories of Aunt Ruth are that she was indeed a kind soul. My children still remember staying at your mom and dad’s home for a few nights on one of our family trips. My thoughts go back to my youth and the time spent with her and my mom and the rest of the Smith siblings.
    Bill Reid and Family

    Reply
  • Jayne Brooks says:
    May 29, 2024 at 11:18 am

    What a wonderful celebration of life and a remarkable tribute to a truly lovely and inspirational lady. I knew Ruth through St. Paul’s where her beautiful smile greeted everyone including the many she visited on behalf of the church. Ruth will be missed, but she will be remembered fondly by everyone she met. My condolences to her family and friends.

    Reply
  • Tom and Shirley says:
    May 29, 2024 at 11:30 am

    Ruth’s Family,
    We knew Ruth as part of St. Paul’s United Church Family. She was always there to help in any way without question…At this time we hope your many years of precious memories will give you strength to enjoy life as she did. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
    God Bless

    Reply

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Testimonials

They took care of me like family.

Judith Szabo

Everything was so organized and pertinent to what we needed. Everyone we met was kind, courteous and very helpful during our emotional and challenging time. Thank you so much.

Heather Mayne

They were so prompt on answering any questions and changing things. They were prepared and respected any religious decisions. The process was so seamless and made easy in such a high stress situation.

Tanya Kohar

In the past 2 years Springfield has helped us through the death of my Mother and my Father. Their response and help allowed us to focus on the remaining family rather than worrying about details of the funeral and all the notifications that are required upon a death.

Terry Eldridge

The atmosphere has been nothing but professional during times of grief.  After the passing of my mother, the staff coached me on the next steps and looked after filling in all the government forms that I needed to sign, which took a huge burden off my mind at the time.

Donald McClure

Everyone was so helpful and kind.  There was no pressure.  They provided exactly what we needed.

Diane Greenwood

From the time I called to the completion of all the services, I received compassionate, attentive and professional care.  There was a sense of caring from each staff member.  I was turning over my Mom to their care and I felt very comfortable with everyone.  I felt heard and never felt pushed into any decision.

Katherine Lewis

I have always found the team at Springfield Funeral Home to be VERY caring, kind, considerate and helpful.  I have and will continue to recommend them to anyone who asks which funeral home would I suggest they use.  No other funeral home I have dealt with even comes close to Springfield Funeral Home.

Ethna Tutt

Right at the onset, I was made very comfortable, there was no pressure.  I was made to feel as if I was the only one they had to serve.

Frances Baum

Everything that was arranged for us was perfect.  Our loved one, husband, father, brother was treated with respect.  Thank you for making this difficult time a little more acceptable via your staff’s obvious caring and respect.

Jacquelene Bluschke