We Remember
STEWART, Ruth Karen
July 26, 1955 — May 26, 2026
Ruth Karen Stewart passed away May 26, 2026, in Lavington, British Columbia, in her living room surrounded by family. She was 70 years young. Ruth was born on July 26, 1955, in Mission, BC, to her late parents, John and Anne Bartel. Ruth attended Cedar Valley Elementary School and graduated from Mission Senior Secondary. At an early age, Ruth accepted Jesus as her personal Saviour and was very active in the Cedar Valley Mennonite Church.
Ruth married the love of her life, Laird, on May 18, 1974. They moved to Chilliwack and had three children: Wyona, Dustin, and Jessica. Ruth worked as a receptionist at Dr Rooke’s chiropractic office. Her place of worship was Sardis Community Church, where she taught Sunday School and developed her gift of hospitality. Ruth created a vibrant family home first in Sleesse Park, Rider Lake, Keith Wilson Rd, Janzen Rd, and finally South Sumas Road.
The family moved to Vernon in 1991, where a house was built on 5 acres in Lavington. Ruth began employment as a secretary in the Vernon School District. This was the start of a 20+ year career that would take her all over the district’s various schools and allow her to meet so many new people that became lifelong friends. With a move to the interior, Ruth joined the Mennonite Church of Vernon, where her gift of hospitality was instrumental in the welcoming of new people to the church and hosting home Bible studies. She also played piano for the worship music during morning services. She also perfected her world-famous cinnamon buns.
Ruth began attending the Vernon Alliance Church, where she enjoyed the pastoral leadership of Stuart McKnight and the privilege of seeing her grandchildren grow in faith.
As a woman who loved to travel, some of Ruth’s travelling highlights include many destinations in western Canada; a cross-Canada 3-month exploration; cruises to the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, Cape Horn, Alaska, and Panama; and her annual salmon fishing trip to Winter Harbour.
Ruth is survived by her husband of 52 years, Laird; their daughter Wyona and son-in-law Landis, as well as granddaughter Sadie; their son Dustin and daughter-in-law Jennifer, as well as grandchildren Emily, Kate, and Kyle; and their daughter Jessica and son-in-law Pat, as well as grandchildren Zetta and Sully. She was predeceased by her in-laws, Frank and Ruby Stewart.
She will be sorely missed.
A Celebration of Life, with Greg Stace, will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 1:00 PM (PDT), at Grace Bible Church, 5661 Silver Star Road, Vernon, BC. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
LIVESTREAM provided by Grace Bible Church:
Service
Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 1:00 PM (PDT)
Location
Grace Bible Church


