March 1, 1930 – October 9, 2018

With profound sadness, but sincere gratitude for a life well-lived, the family of Ruth Dodds announce her peaceful passing at St. Paul’s Hospital palliative ward in Saskatoon, SK. Ruth was predeceased by her beloved husband Jim one year ago. She is lovingly remembered by her family: Harvey Dodds; Jean (Doug) Jones and children Rory Jones (Kaesha Wenzel), Kelsi (Kevin) Clayton and great-grandson Everett, and Darion Jones (Courtney Friesen); June (Robert) McJannet and children Erik McJannet and Tera (Brock) Thiessen; Karen (Phil) Anton and children Travis (Allyssa) Anton, Kathryn Anton (Derek Brillinger), and Jayme Anton; and Beth (Brad) Holt and children Lauren Holt, Allyson Holt (Thomas Machell), and Erin Holt (Dan Blackmore). She is also lovingly remembered by daughter Jan (Bill) Johnston and children David Johnston and Stephen (Erika) Johnston and children Leith and Halle. Ruth is survived by her sister Bernice Fjeld; sisters-in-law Lois Hoiland, Ilene Hoiland, June Hoiland, and Lillian Dodds; brother-in-law Bob (Carol) Dodds; sister-in-law Dorothy (Don) Reuszer; and many nieces and nephews. Ruth had many friends who will also cherish her memory. Ruth was predeceased by her parents Torvald and Martha Hoiland; brothers Peder, Irvin, and Arthur Hoiland; in-laws George and Robena Dodds; brothers-in-law Mac Dodds, Rodney Francis, and Cecil Fjeld; sisters-in-law Mary Dodds and Marion Francis; niece Janis Fonos; and nephew Geoff Hyslop.

Ruth was born in Birch Hills, SK on March 1, 1930. She was the fourth child of Norwegian immigrant parents and the baby of the family for eleven years until her youngest brother arrived. She was very proud of her Norwegian heritage. Ruth enjoyed growing up on the farm north of Birch Hills and completed her schooling in town. After graduating, Ruth attended Saskatoon Normal School to obtain her teaching certificate. She accepted her first teaching position in Bastness School followed by positions in Naicam, SK., then Mount Vernon, west of Loreburn SK., and finally in Loreburn where she met the love of her life, Jim Dodds. They were married on July 14, 1956 and soon after started a family and raised five children. Ruth was active in the community as a member of the UCW, she taught 4H and Sunday school, led the choir, and enjoyed curling. She kept busy with her renowned flower and vegetable gardens, canning hundreds of jars of fruit and vegetables each year. She became an excellent cook and baker and we all enjoyed her delicious pies and cinnamon buns, especially Dad. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting, and quilting, and made a quilt for each of her grandchildren as a high school graduation gift. Ruth was a true example of a hard-working, dedicated farm wife and sometimes even helped Jim out in the field. Over the years, Ruth and Jim enjoyed travelling to many parts of Canada, the U.S.A., and Mexico, and in 1982 she won a trip to Amsterdam which resulted in a visit to nearby Norway to meet some of her relatives. She especially enjoyed her casino bus trips. She also enjoyed coffee time, potlucks and playing cards with her condo friends in Saskatoon. Competitive by nature, Ruth beat many family members and friends at Scrabble and Blockus, and enjoyed cheering on her favourite curling teams and watching the Olympics on TV. She was so proud to be Canadian!

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to all the healthcare and private homecare workers who provided outstanding care for Ruth over the past year.

A celebration of Ruth’s life will be held on Wednesday, October 17 at 11 a.m. at the Strongfield Hall, Strongfield, SK. Lunch and fellowship will follow. For those so wishing, memorial donations may be directed to Loreburn Town and Country Centre, c/o Village of Loreburn or Palliative Care, St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation.

Arrangements are in care of the Outlook Funeral Chapel 306-867-8255.