Obituary of Ruth Marie McLaren (nee Burgess)

Passed away peacefully on Friday, January 16, 2026 in her 93rd year, at University Gates Retirement Home in Waterloo.

Ruth was born on October 17, 1933 in Rockton, Ontario, the oldest child of Gordon Burgess and Kelvie Burgess (Elliott). Ruth was predeceased by her husband of 64 years Kenneth Lyle McLaren (2021). She is survived by her brother Russell (Betty) and her sons Doug (Jennifer) and Don (Sue Carpenter). Ruth will be sadly missed by her grandchildren Kelvie (Dan), Ian (Hayley), Ainsley (Mitchell), Lyle and Leslie (Logan), her great-grandchildren Maggie, Dallas, Zoe and Jayden, and eight nieces and nephews.  

The family would like to express our deepest thanks to the staff at University Gates for their care, compassion and kindness towards Ruth, especially during the last few months of her life. 

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service and reception to honour and celebrate Ruth’s life will be held in the spring; the time and date will be advertised well in advance of the service.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy, sharing memories of Ruth, and memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, Lupus Canada, or a charity of your choice may all be arranged through www.erbgood.com.