Obituary of Linda Watty

Called to eternal rest on Wednesday, May 29, 2013 at K-W Grand River Hospital, Kitchener, in her 64th year. Cherished wife of Frank and loving mother of Adrian (Anne) and Darryl (Jacqueline), and adoring nanny to Maxwell and Ashton. Ruth Ann also leaves to mourn, brothers; Gordon (Gladys), Bruce (Mary-Ellen), Hugh (Zonia) and Murray (Deborah), as well as numerous nephews and nieces. In addition, she is remembered by a multitude of relatives-in-law scattered across three continents. Predeceased by her parents Wilbur and Hilda Garlough of Williamsburg, Ontario. A graduate of MacDonald Institute, University of Guelph, in Child and Family Studies, Ruth Ann's working life was spent in the service of Children, especially those of new immigrants to Canada through the English as a Second Language (ESL) and head-start programs where she was a teacher, administrator and advisory board member. A passionate gardener, an avid quilter, a knowledgeable orchidist, a fanatical suduko problem solver, a voracious reader and a sincerely concerned listener. Ruth Ann was an unabashed canvasser for a variety of medical causes. Sociable to a fault, she numbered friends as diverse as the community she loved and promoted their interests. An adopted West Indian by marriage, she was admired for bridging easily the perceived and imagined divides between the two cultures and was dearly loved by both. Having suffered four serious and debilitating strokes, she was lovingly cared for by the Grand River Hospital staff, the University Hospital in London, the Hamilton General Hospital and the Freeport Hospital. Our deepest thanks go to the nurses and doctors at these institutions and to Dr. Pascoe and Dr. Asif Khan for their devoted recent care. From childhood she was a servant of her Lord, the cornerstone of her life. Whatever the task His wisdom assigned, she fulfilled cheerfully…. as elder, visitor, board member, United Church Women member or as a worker at a rummage sale. Now, she is called home, and who are we to ask, why so soon? "Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, But trust Him for His grace, Behind a frowning countenance He hides a smiling face." Friends and relatives are invited to share their memories of Ruth Ann with her family during visitation at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Friday, May 31, 2013 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. A special viewing for out-of-town visitors will be held from 10- to 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, June 1 at First United Church, 16 William St. W. Waterloo with a funeral service in gratitude of her life at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Bill Steadman officiating. Reception to follow at the church hall. Interment at the Bouck's Hill Cemetery, Williamsburg, Ontario near Ottawa on Sunday, June 2 at 3:00 p.m. In place of flowers, donations to the First United Church Building Fund or the Heart and Stroke Foundation may be arranged through the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King Street South, Waterloo at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.