We Remember
LEMKE, Edna Ruth “Ruthie”
May 11, 1947 — January 7, 2024
Edna Ruth Lemke (aka Ruth/Ruthie) passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the age of 76 on January 7, 2024 at the Vineyards Residence after a very short and aggressive battle with cancer.
She was born to Kenneth & Rose Charters on Mother’s Day, May 11, 1947, in Fredericton, New Brunswick. She lived at the family home in Charters Settlement, New Brunswick until July 1968 when she left her job at the Bank of Montreal and headed West with a close school friend. After a brief stay in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, they moved to Vancouver, where Ruth continued her career with BMO. Ruth joined a BMO bowling league, where she met Vince, who was also with BMO. Bank transfers moved them to Kimberly, where they married on October 10, 1970 and later had both of their children. Subsequent transfers took the family to Victoria, Kelowna, Vancouver, Vernon, and back to Kelowna where both Ruth and Vince retired in 2002. It was then that they embarked on many good travels: a 1-year RV trip across Canada and the US, and subsequent trips with friends and relatives to Europe, Newzealand, and Austraila, Ruth’s favourite — South Africa, and several river and ship cruises in Europe and North America. Sadly, Alzheimer’s crept into Ruth’s life about 10 years ago. Although faced with these new challenges, they still managed to snowbird in Guayabitos, Mexico and make the most of time with family and friends.
Ruth loved her golf & legion friends and talked of them often. During her brief stay in hospital and the Vineyards Residence, she continued to display her quick wit, compassion, humour, and care for others; quickly becoming loved and accepted by the staff and fellow residents. Thank you to the amazing staff at the Vineyards Residence for their awesome care.
Ruth is predeceased by her parents, Kenneth & Rose Charters. She is lovingly remembered by her husband of 53 years, Vince; daughter Dana (Steven) Haller and grandchildren Kyran, Abigail (Bailey) Rempel, and Marrin; son Duane (Hillary Chiliak) and grandchildren Kayla and Karissa; sisters Carolyn (Jack) Conner and Gayle Charters; brothers Kenneth and Mark; as well as many friends and family whose lives she touched dearly.
A Celebration of Life will follow in Ruth’s honour in the spring of 2024.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of BC Canadian Cancer Society, or any charity of your choice.
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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Alzheimer's Society of BC Canadian Cancer Society Link: www.alzheimer.ca/bc/en
Condolences
We’re very sorry to hear of Ruth’s passing. She was a wonderful person and I (Bruce) very much enjoyed working with her for several years at BMO in Kelowna. Please accept our deepest condolences.
Our deepest condolences to the family she loved so much, Vince, Dana, Dwayne as well as their partners and all her Grand Children as well as the extended family. As part of the huge the Lemke clan we have fond memories of our times together with Ruthie. As fellow members of the “Boomer Generation” we share many interesting and challenging changes to life as we knew it when we were kids. Ruth embraced every challenge with a positive attitude, a love for life and always with a smile. We will miss Ruth at future family functions and visits, however we will never allow her to be forgotten.
No words could ever fill the space you leave behind. Rest easy my dear friend, Ruth.
Vince and family. Sorry for your loss.
Vince and family we send our deepest condolences to you and all the family. Ruth was a very caring and true friend. I will miss not having her as a golfing buddy on Mondays and our walks on the beach in Mexico and those fresh baked muffins. Carol and John.
Vince, devastated to hear of the loss of your lovely wife. She was a dear lady and will be sorely missed by many.
Fred Stephen
I fondly remember working with Ruth at BMO with her quick wit and great sense of humour. Warm regards to the Lemke family.
Vince
So very sorry to hear of Ruth’s passing.
Deepest condolences to you and your family.
Andrea Loudoun
Sorry to hear of my cousin’s passing. We played together on Grampa’s farm with our many other cousins but life took us in diverging directions. It seems Ruth had a full life which we all hope for. My condolences to her family
Tony
Vince and Family we send our love. I will miss my golfing Buddy. Ruth was always so thoughtful and kind and made the best muffins. Rest in peace dear friend. Carol and John
Vince, Dana (and family), Duane (and family) – I’m so sorry for your loss. Aunt Ruth was an amazing person. We always enjoyed her (and your) visits “home” and our visits out west. I know you will miss her terribly. All our love, Tara, Alex, Madison, and Caleb ❤️
My condolences to the family. Ruth’s happy smile will be missed by many.