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Ellen (RAE)

(nee Keenan)

(Feb. 26, 1925 - June 7, 2009)

Sister, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend, passed away suddenly on Sunday, June 7, 2009 following a short illness.

Ruth was predeceased by her husband Edward; daughter Mary; brothers: Bob, Bert, Patrick, Arthur, Jack; and sisters: Beatrice, Nora and Jean.

She is survived by her sister Frances (Harold) of Vernon; sons: Eddie (Danita), Tim (Michelle) and Brent, all of Chilliwack; daughters: Denise (Allen) of Deroche, Bonnie (Allan) of Chilliwack, and Leanne (John) of Agassiz; 17 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Ruth, the 9th of 10 children, was born in Portreeve Saskatchewan on February 26, 1925 to Patrick and Agnes Keenan and moved with her family to Mission, B.C. in 1938. In 1942 at age 17, she enlisted with the Canadian Women’s Army Corps and served until the end of WWII. Following the war, Ruth was living and working at the head of Harrison Lake where she met Eddie Leon and they were married on December 11, 1954.

RAE and Ed settled in Lake Errock to raise their family and took up darts, which they both excelled at. In 1974 they moved with their four youngest children to Chilliwack, taking their love of darts with them where RAE helped to build the Fraser Valley Dart League in her role on the league executive. She went on to become an executive officer for the National Dart Federation and traveled extensively with the sport she loved. She participated often, winning many medals at the B.C. and Canadian Senior’s Games, and achieved a place on the podium at the Ladies Canadian Open.

In her career, RAE worked for both the World Health Organization and the Greater Vancouver Regional District but best enjoyed the time she spent visiting old friends and meeting new ones during her many terms as enumerator for the Canadian Census.

RAE cherished her little garden, feeding the birds and squirrels and books were forever piled high at her side but, always said her greatest joy and comfort was the family which surrounded her. RAE’s sense of humour, giving nature, strong fortitude and the immense love she shared with us all will be deeply missed.

Respecting her wishes there will be no funeral or memorial service and following cremation, internment will take place at the Chehalis Cemetery at noon on Saturday, June 27, 2009.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Diabetes Association would be greatly appreciated.




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