Shirley Ilene “Ruth” Birdsell (nee Stengel) passed away on Friday, September 16, 2005 at Chilliwack General Hospital at age 85 years. She was born April 9, 1920 in Welland, ON. Ruth is survived by Don, her loving husband of 57 years; her daughter, Rebecca Kushnir; son, Jeffrey (Beverly); grandchildren, Derek, Shawn and Caitlyn; and her sister, Doreen (Vince) Petracca. She was predeceased by her brothers, Lesley (Casey) and Laverne Stengel.
Ruth was a Charter Member of the Ladies Auxiliary, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 164, Hagersville, ON and also Charter Member of the 879 (Earl MacLeod) RCAF Wing, A.F.A of Canada, Treasurer Emeritus of that wing. Ruth served in the RCAF from 1942-1946. Her passions were reading, crocheting, crosswords and bingo. She was am member of Avon’s President’s Club for many years.
Memorial Services will be held on Wednesday, September 21, 2005 at 10:30 am from the Chapel of Woodlawn Mt. Cheam Funeral Home, 45865 Hocking Ave, Chilliwack, BC; Major Angus Haggarty officiating.
Honourary Pall Bearers are Shawn Birdsell, Derek Birdsell, Jeff Birdsell, Stu MacMillian, Roy Fraser, Roger Paquette. Pete Humphries, Jim Chrystal.
If family and friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.