Ruth Elizabeth Zimmer

Ruth Elizabeth Zimmer (Mitchel) was born on August 26, 1931 on the farm of Oscar Laycock at Endcliffe, MB to George and Emma Mitchel (Mohr). On December 13, 1931 she received the gift of Holy Baptism at St. John's Lutheran Church, Shelvin, MB and became a child of God. She was confirmed at St. John's Lutheran in 1946 at the age of 15 years.

Approximately a year after her birth the family moved to the Grainfields School District up on the Shell River Hills near Roblin, Manitoba. She always spoke of her early years there enjoying fishing and swimming in the nearby beautiful Shell River Valley. She started school at the age of 7 attending Grainfields and then at the age of 9 moved to Shell Vale/Shevlin area when her parents purchased a farm there. She attended Shell Vale School for the rest of her school years, then on to Winnipeg where she worked for a period of time at St. Joseph's Hospital as a nurses aid. She returned home and on December 15, 1951, Ruth was united in marriage to Herman Zimmer. To this union, 8 children were born. They purchased the farm in 1953 after renting for a short time. In 1982 she lost her husband Herman as well as her son Larry all within 4 weeks.

She continued to stay on the farm and carried on with the full operation where cows were always milked to provide valuable income to provide for her family. A large garden was also attended to and she was always prepared to serve a great meal. No one ever left her home hungry. She looked after her own children as well as being a foster mother to several children who were very important to her during their tenure with the family. The final three foster children were the Rudolph children (Theresa, Douglas and Harold) who came at a young age and resided there until they graduated or left school and moved on to adulthood. She was a foster mother for 22 years. Ruth once stated, " I have always been a housewife and Mother. I find this has been the most rewarding part of my life. When I look back at my children and grandchildren I thank God for he has always been good to me".

In 1990 she decided it was time to move to Roblin and slow down. The farm was sold to son Mark who still resides there today.

She was always considerate of others and accommodating to help out family and friends in any way possible if feasible. Her garden and bi-products produced from the garden were always shared with family, friends and neighbours. Her oven produced thousands of loaves of bread as well as cottage cheese that was always in demand in the area and beyond. She made sure nothing went to waste in all food categories. Everything was used to provide sustenance and her freezer was always full for a quick or a family meal at any given time.

Volunteering was a high priority and she always gave of her time and efforts to organizations that were dear to her heart, one being the Roblin Legion Ladies Auxiliary for 40 years. She was also a strong and supportive member of the Lutheran Ladies Aid. She enjoyed quilting for the Lutheran World Relief. She was also a member of the church choir. She helped and provided support to other non-profit groups whenever needed.

Upon retiring to Roblin she took some time to travel, thoroughly enjoyed visiting relatives in Colorado. A trip up the Alaskan Highway was definitely a highlight. Her memorable trips were those to Germany to visit relatives first in 1992 with son Roland & Gwen, then 4 years later with Roland and her Mother Emma.

Her greatest passion was of course gardening and tending to her roses and perennial flower garden. She had geraniums that she would store every winter. They provided colour for over 20 years, never having to buy new ones.

Ruth is fondly remembered and survived by: SONS- Roland (Gwen), Doug (Mariette Lizotte) Mark (Ali McNabb) DAUGHTERS- Shirley Mae (Harry Barrington), Carol (Dennis Panasiuk). DAUGHTER IN LAW - Eleanor Zimmer. FOSTER CHILDREN -Theresa (Neil Shaw) Doug Rudolph, Harold Rudolph. SISTER IN LAWS- Helen Mitchel and Eva Mitchel.

Upon her passing, she was also blessed and is survived by 17 biological grandchildren, 19 biological great-grandchildren, 4 step-grandchildren and 3 step-great-grandchildren.

Ruth was predeceased by:

Husband -Herman Zimmer

Children - Maryann, Larry and Daniel

Parents - George &Emma Mitchel (Mohr)

Grandparents- Henry and Anna Mohr

Siblings -Wilfred (Leona), Richard, Ernie &Caroline Mitchel.

Son in law - Lyle Moffatt

Grandson - Shane Zimmer.

Mom your journey is over and May you now rest in Peace.

We will forever cherish your legacy, guidance, and knowledge that you have bestowed upon us.

A Funeral Service will be held on June 8, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at the St. Matthews Lutheran Church, Roblin, Manitoba with Pastor Barry Wood officiating.

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