Obituary of Ruth Edith Barker

BARKER - On Saturday, October 21, 2006, Ruth Edith Barker (Holliday), late of Regina, passed away at the age of 80 years. Beloved mother of Debbie and Don, Ruth is survived by her daughter Debbie Barker; grandchildren Danica and Dawn Jorgensen, and their father, Rick Jorgensen; sister Ollie Wooster; sister-in-law Lillian Holliday; brother-in-law Harvey (Lilla) Barker, and numerous nieces and nephews. Ruth was predeceased by her husband Gordon Barker in 1982; parents Elizabeth and George Holliday; sisters Irene (Stan) Gacki and Verna Holliday; brothers Lorne (Joy) and Roy Holliday; mother and father-in-law Evylin and George Barker; brother-in-law George (Frances) Barker; and sister-in-law Joan Mohat. Ruth was born in QuAppelle, Saskatchewan, and grew up on the Holliday family farm in Edgeley. Ruth moved to Regina at the age of 15 and worked while she completed a night-school secretarial course at Reliance Business College. After finishing business college, Ruth worked at London Life Insurance before marrying her husband Gordon in 1950, and enjoyed many happy and successful years working with him in their own business at Barkers Jewellery and Barkers Trophies, until their retirement in 1982. Ruth was an avid sportswoman and sports fan. Her early days in Regina were spent playing and cheering at the softball diamond at Central Park, where she met her lifetime partner, Gordon. Ruth enjoyed playing softball and ten-pin bowling for many years; and was always in the stands when Donnie was playing ball, or Deb was speed-swimming. In her later years, her love for sports was fulfilled in watching her grandchildren participate in many sports. Whether it was an elementary school volleyball game, recreational curling game, high school basketball game, or Canada Games rowing competitions, Ruth always enjoyed cheering on her grandchildren. Ruth still enjoyed playing shuffleboard with her many friends at Elmcrest Condominium up until the last weeks before her death. Heartfelt thanks to Dr. O. Schussler and Dr. I. Muhammad, and particularly to the compassionate and caring nursing staff on Unit 4A at the Pasqua Hospital. Thanks also to Moms special niece Patti Lorencz, and special friend Rita Hosie for their support while Mom was in the hospital. Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, October 25, 2005 at 1:30 p.m., at Speers Funeral Chapel, 2136 College Avenue, with Dr. Bryan Hillis presiding. In lieu of flowers, friends so wishing are asked to make donations in memoriam, to Unit 4A, Regina Pasqua Hospital, 4101 Dewdney Avenue, Regina SK S4T 1A5 , or a charity of your choice.