Obituary of Ruby Ida Friday

Ruby Ida Friday, late of Regina, SK, passed away surrounded by family on June 22, 2023 at the age of 73 years. 

Predeceased by her husband Mervin Kaiswatum; parents John and Rosie Friday; brothers Elwood, Johnny, Charlie, Claude, Clinton, and Hilliard, Tom Rattlesnake and in infancy Edwin; sisters Audrey, Olive, Sadie, Donna and Sianne; granddaughter Jessica Friday; and adopted son Garner Kaiswatum.

Left to cherish her memory are her children Claude Friday (Gladys/Peecho), Sheri Kaiswatum, Eileen Kaiswatum, adopted son Alvin Matechuck; 12 grandchildren, Kyle, Amelia (Rod), Brett, Terence, Gino, Jesse, Jenna, Nigel (Kisis), Zoey, Elijah and Isaiah; 12 great-grandchildren Nazlund, Lylah, Chicken Wing, Jade, Wade, Elena, Layah, Mia, Sylus, Dayzha, Kyson, and Luca; sister Janet Severight; special nieces and nephews Rose, Rhoda, Enola (Darrel), DeeDee, Bev, Faye, Lucille, Penny, Carolyn (Doug), Marilyn (Gary), Liz (Conrad), Loretta (Bruce), Randy, Ringo, Vernie, Big Boy, Nick, Harris, Henry, Robbie, and Augie. We would like to acknowledge other special people in her life who are also left to remember her, Angie Anaquod, Chief Reg Bellrose, Ivy Kennedy, Robert (Bob) Obey, Elder Irene Young and numerous friends and family members.

Ida grew up on Cote First Nation and at age 16, relocated to the Piapot First Nation.  She is a Residential School/Day School survivor and dedicated her time helping family and friends. 

Her parents instilled strong values and family connection which made her very proud of her family roots. Ida loved her family dearly and often spoke highly of her great-grandchildren. She stood up for what she believed in and conducted herself with dignity, which contributed to her big voice.  She was proud and not afraid to ask for help which enabled her to advocate for family and friends. She did humanitarian work and never turned anyone way who asked for help.  She had a shine that attracted people to her and a strong ability to connect with everyone

Ida was a fighter and never backed down, she disliked people who were “jamtarts.” Her famous saying when in a fight, “Take the biggest one down first and the rest will scram, cause the bigger they are the harder they fall.” Ida was tough as nails and was a one-person army.    She participated in playing softball and coaching men’s and women’s softball teams.   Ida was a strong supporter and fan of the Piapot Eagles Hockey Team and was well known in hockey arena’s for her cheering. She agitated the opposition and made the crowd either mad or laugh. Last year she attended the Fred Saskakamoose Hockey Tournament and was acknowledged when she entered the hockey area. Everywhere she went someone would acknowledge her and shared their Ida story on where they met.

Her parents instilled a strong work ethic in her, for many years she held two jobs.  Ida worked hard as a Housekeeper at Extendicare for 12 years, and then as an Intake Worker at at a Woman’s Shelter. She retired from Evraz Place where she worked as a Janitor and then Supervisor. Ida also volunteered at the Food Bank and created life-long friendships during her time there.  She continued to work as a driver with Where 2 Transportation until her health declined.  

Ida was a strong Mother Bear and Kokum and will continue to support and protect her family in the spirit world where she is reunited with the love of her life.   “Gone but never forgotten.”

A Traditional Wake will be held at Piapot First Nation on Tuesday June 27, 2023, at 4:00pm followed by Funeral Service on Wednesday, June 28, 2023 at 11:00am. Interment will take place in the Friday/Kaiswatum Family Cemetery (up the hill).