Ruth Grube

MRS. RUTH GRUBE of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Heinz Grube, passed away at St. Michael's Palliative Care Centre on Tuesday, November 3, 2009 at the age of 88 years.

Ruth was born in Germany 88 years ago. She grew up during WWII, enlisted in the Air Force where she rose quickly in rank becoming a supervisor while working as a traffic controller. This entailed learning to write backwards on glass in order to relay information. During this time she visited various parts of Europe and was especially taken with Holland where she was stationed which enhanced her love of travel.
After a harrowing trip back to her home outside of Dusseldorf (mostly on foot) she settled into civilian life delivering mail and rebuilding her life. At the end of the war her family had taken in homeless soldiers. One of these soldiers later became her first husband, Jake Wall whom she fell in love with. He eventually moved to Canada writing to her years later to join him as his wife in Coaldale.

Ruth arrived in Canada, was married and then gave birth to her only child. A devoted mother to Margaret, she stayed at home until Maggie went to school. A highlight at this time was the eventual reunion with her sisters and parents as they immigrated to Canada from Germany. Ruth was ambitious and eventually became one of the first local homecare workers at Barons Eureka Warner. Always adventurous she learned to drive a car and looked after the needs of her rural elderly clients which gave her deep joy and satisfaction. She and Jake also travelled many times to Mexico and the U.S. They both enjoyed socializing and took in the weekly dances at the German Canadian Club often in the company of their friends, Tena and Nick Unger and Tina and Fred Penner. She remained working even through Jake's illness and eventual death from cancer.

Ruth eventually found romance with Heinz Grube, a bachelor farmer/rancher, whom she met through one of her beloved ""alte Damen"". They were married until his death in 2008 also enjoying a mutual passion for travel, dancing and card games with Anna and Heinz Wall and her family. Ruth also had a great love for Heinz's mother looking after her while she lived with them. She also provided care for her own mother while she lived in Coaldale.
Mom was a lively conversationalist with a vibrant personality. She was in constant motion looking after her family, her home and her clients with compassion and humor. She loved to laugh, had a quick wit and was an excellent storyteller. Together with her husbands she travelled the world confirming what a gypsy had told her during her youth.

Ruth was diagnosed with Alzheimer's 11 years ago and faced this with courage and humor even while losing her independence. Always appreciative and affectionate with her daughter and caregivers in the last years of her life she displayed a loving nature that endured much suffering with grace. She will be deeply missed by her remaining sisters, Esther (Max) and Hanni (Heinz) as well as her daughter, Maggie, her primary caregiver and best friend. She was also predeceased by her parents and her sister Friedel (Peter).

We would like to thank the dedicated and long-time workers who looked after her including the following: Cindi O., Shalane, Ulla, Doretta, Colleen, Ramona, Corey, Jen, and Mary Rose. A special and heartfelt thanks to Ashton C, for her work, generosity and kindness to mom and myself during the last year of her life. ln addition, we are grateful to Steve V. and Lori and Dave C. for providing a helping hand and support at various times throughout mom's sickness. Also, many thanks to the nurturing of the
Palliative Care Unit at St. Mike's as well as the professionals who helped mom remain at home until her passing. This includes our favorite home-care nurse, Laura H., mom's specialist Dr. lkuta, Dr. X. Van der Pol, Annie (o.t.), Bernie (Leisters), and Collin (p.t.). A special thanks also to Dayna V. who provided comfort and support to Ruth in a gentle and caring manner.

Interment will take place at 2:30 pm on Saturday, November 14, 2009 at MOUNTAIN VIEW CEMETERY, Scenic Drive South, Lethbridge.

A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 pm on Saturday, November 14, 2009 at MARTIN BROS. RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 - 4th Street South, Lethbridge, AB.