RUBY GERTRUDE HEATH (nee Horton) of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully at The Good Samaritan West Highlands Centre, on July 2, 2009, at the age of 86 years, with close family at her side.

Ruby was predeceased by her loving husband, George Heath, in 2004; brother, Harold Horton, in 2009; stepson, William Scott, in 1999, as well as numerous other family members in past years.

Ruby is survived by her daughters, Karen (Ted) Betts, & Janice (Kent) Leishman, of Lethbridge; grandchildren & great grandchildren: Diane (Chris) Gronlie - Christopher (Jamie) & Jesse, Calgary, AB; Paul (Barbara) Betts - Makenzie, Victoria, Morgan & Braden, Garden City, Utah; Warren (Kristina) Betts - Kylee & Nolan, Edmonton, AB; Lindsay (Jared) Ord - Jayden, Carter & Ashlyn, Olds, AB; Kathryn (William) Waldie, Lethbridge, AB. She is also survived by brother-in-law, Ron (Gena) Heath, Frenchman's Creek, BC; sister-in-law, Pauline Horton, Castlegar, BC; extended family, Jackie Scott, Dale (Claire) Scott, Leslie (Rick) Bachman; cousins, nephews, & nieces including, Susan (Lloyd) Evans, Castlegar, BC, & Audrey Spicer, Moose Jaw, SK.

Born April 22, 1923, in Briercrest, SK, Ruby was the youngest of six children. Growing up, she attended the Briercrest United Church, was a member and leader of CGIT and played the piano for most of her life. Ruby served in the RCAF from 1942-1945, achieving the rank of Corporal. Her military service included a posting in Lethbridge, AB; never realizing then, that one day she would return to live here. After the war, Ruby returned to Briercrest and assisted her parents in managing the family store, until the time of their passing. Ruby then worked as a Continuity Writer for Radio and TV, in Moose Jaw, SK, and Lloydminster, AB. She continued her gift of creative writing for many years; her personal letters to family and friends were always a joy to receive.

The Horton and Heath families had always been close friends and neighbours, farming in southern Saskatchewan during the 20's thru to the 70's. In 1967, Ruby and George (a widower at that time) reconnected after many years. They were married in Briercrest, SK, on September 21, 1968, and resided in Vermilion, AB. Once married, Ruby became a wife to George, as well as mother and grandmother to George's two daughters and their families; a role she accepted without hesitation. Ruby was always a very loving and supportive partner to George, a great ""Mum"" to Karen & Janice and a loving grandmother and great-grandmother to all the children.
After living in Vermilion and Wainwright, Ruby & George moved to Coaldale in 1971, and later to Lethbridge, where they quickly became involved in the community. They volunteered with the Nord-Bridge Seniors Centre, including the executive committee, for many years. Both were honoured with a Life Membership in appreciation for their service.

During those years, Ruby enrolled in evening computer classes at the tender age of 70 years! She quickly learned all the computer functions, programs, internet and e-mail and proved to be a genuine ""Computer Whizz"" as she combined her writing talents with her computer skills. After George passed in June 2004, Ruby continued to volunteer on a daily basis, in the office of the Nord-Bridge Senior Centre, spending many hours publishing the monthly newsletter for distribution to the 800+ Nord-Bridge members.

Ruby took ill in April, 2007, was hospitalized, and suffered a stroke a few days later. She moved to the Good Samaritan West Highlands Centre in September 2007 and remained a resident there until her passing. Ruby received the utmost in love and care from the entire staff of West Highlands. Ruby was loved and respected by all who knew her. She will be fondly remembered and sadly missed by everyone.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00am, on Saturday, July 11, 2009 at the MARTIN BROS. RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 - 4 St., S., Lethbridge, Alberta. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in the Archmount Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may donate to Good Samaritan West Highlands Centre or Nord-Bridge Seniors Centre.