Ruth Alberta Tanner
January 6th, 2018
TANNER, Ruth Alberta (nee Nelson)
Ruth Alberta Tanner passed away peacefully early in the morning of Saturday, January 6, 2018 in Calgary, Alberta.
Ruth was born on May 19, 1931 in Edmonton, Alberta to her parents Blanche (of Alberta) and Albert (of Norway). She grew up on a farm near Mayerthorpe, Alberta and later moved to Edmonton to attend high school and the Royal Alexandria School of Nursing. Ruth later moved to Calgary with her husband of 61 years, Barney Tanner and started her nursing career of over 30 years. Through her career, she worked in hospitals, doctors' offices, nursing homes and private nursing. After raising her children in Calgary, she followed her parents to the Okanagan Valley of BC, where she and Barney built a beautiful home on the westward-facing bench of a mountain overlooking the Okanagan Lake near Winfield, BC. She continued to work as a nurse there and enjoyed the climate and many new friends.
Visits from old friends and extended family were often and always welcome. After several years there, she and Barney decided to return to Alberta so that they could spend more time with their young grandsons. They built a home near Cremona, this time on a hill with a beautiful panoramic view of the front range of the Rocky Mountains. After several happy years there, they decided to move to Calgary and Ruth eventually had to move to a retirement home after the effects of Alzheimer's Disease began to affect her life.
Through her life, Ruth was able to travel to many places, including Europe (also the Scandinavian countries of her father), the United Kingdom, Oceania and the US.
Ruth will be remembered for many things. She had a great sense of humor, a very pleasant outgoing personality and compassion for people. She was never afraid to engage strangers in a friendly conversation. She loved watching her grandchildren grow up and loved to be interactive with them through such things as sleigh rides and Easter egg hunts. She loved animals, especially horses and dogs. She was also a dedicated Calgary Flames fan.
Ruth was predeceased by her brother, Allen, but survived by her loving husband, Barney; her sister, Eileen Shouldice; her sons, Bryan (Mirvat) and Bruce (Lori); her grandsons, Colin, Adam, Bryce and Jake; step-grandson, Ayman; and numerous nieces and nephews. She made memories with many very special friendships with the Merrell's, the Kodnar's and the Bohannon's.
At the family's request, no Funeral Service will be held.
Messages:
Hello - my thoughts and feelings are with you at this very emotional time .I enjoyed knowing Ruth over the years and sharing wonderful family gatherings together - they will always be good memories especially the laughs shared at the Easter Egg hunts with all the little guys! Blessings to You all and may Ruth be held in peace and love. Linda
Our sincere condolences to Barney, Byran, Bruce and Family. Ruth was such a special person in our lives. She was full of life and had a huge heart full of love and compassion. The night that my mother passed away and I called her. She immediately came over and sat with Ryan while Palmer and I went to the long term care facility, as Ryan didn't want to go. They spent the evening talking and Ryan felt so comforted. Will always remember her sense of humor and her laugh. How she loved all her grandchildren and was so proud of her two sons. She loved taking care of Barney and doing special things for him like his big bash in our Rec Room in the barn. She had no problem working along side Barney to accomplish a project. Lots of great memories. She will be greatly missed. Anne, Palmer, & Ryan Schuetzle
I will always remember Ruth’s awesome sense of humour, her quick wit and her visits in my office and sharing popcorn ! We will miss her and your visits to Bethany! Take care, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. Sharon and “Buddy”
It was a pleasure to have known Ruth. To be part of the family gatherings at Easter or birthdays has given me many wonderful memories that I will always treasure. I will also never forget how kind and loving Ruth was to Brody...even so far as having Brody call her Grandma Ruth! Rest and find peace dearest Ruth. Hugs to all family from Lu, Jaro and Brody.
Ruth was the first person to greet and welcome us as new neighbors to Lake Bonavista in October 1969. We quickly appreciated her sense of humour and willingness to be a contributor to our neighbourhood events, as well as how and what to not disagree with her . It was a loss when Ruth and Barney decided to move to the Okanagan, but was a offset her her offers to visit with them during the following years. Friends may be lost but memories are forever. Mary and Fred Kodnar, Calgary , Alberta