Ruby Patricia Melquist

Ruby passed away with family by her side on December 20, 2023 at the age of 71.

Ruby was the first-born daughter of Jessie and Albert Melquist of Lac du Bonnet.  Albert and Jessie had two more daughters, and the three, Ruby, Pearl and Coral were their jewels.  Ruby attended school in Riverland and Lac du bonnet.  Growing up Ruby was always up for trying new things.  She enjoyed going goldeye fishing with her dad and sisters.  She was a member of 4H where she learned to sew, took swimming lessons at the town dock, and took part in a High School musical.

After graduating High School, Ruby moved to Winnipeg where she worked and raised her family.  She was a long-distance operator for MTS, a clerk at Gambles/McLeod’s, a security guard at The Winnipeg Art Gallery, and was a cook at Zellers for over 20 years.  Ruby loved to dance, she took lessons and entered in Ballroom dance competitions.  She had a thirst for knowledge and took courses in accounting and astronomy.  She loved to read and went to the library often.  She wrote short stories and poems to express her feelings and help her relax.

Ruby was a loving mother to her children, James and Elizabeth.  She had a heart of gold and was always there for family and friends to lend a helping hand.  She had a Zest for life and was not one to be idle when she retired.  She loved to cook and when bored would whip up a batch of cookies.  Music was always a big part of her life.  Her favourites were Elvis Presley and Kenny Rodgers.  Ruby volunteered with Age and Opportunity visiting people that needed companionship.  She was an avid Winnipeg Jets and Blue Bomber fan and was very disappointed when the Bombers didn’t win the Grey Cup last year.

Ruby’s smile was infectious.  The last four years she was a resident of River Park Gardens and brought joy and laughter to the staff, residents, visitors, and everyone she met.  She knew everybody by name and took time to get to know their personal story.  She loved to take part in all the activities and particularly liked anything that involved singing. 

She was predeceased by her parents, Albert and Jessie Melquist and her sister Pearl Melquist.  She will be lovingly remembered by son James and daughter Elizabeth, sister Coral, brother-in-law Jeff, niece Patricia (Lewis) and family, nephew Colin (Teresa) and family. 

The family would like to thank the team at River Park Gardens for their loving and compassionate care and for making Ruby feel like she was a part of their family.  She knew she was loved. 

 In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Winnipeg.

A celebration of Ruby’s life will take place on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.  at Faith Lutheran Church, 1311 Dakota Street in Winnipeg.  Sobering Funeral Chapel are in charge of arrangements. A private internment will take place at Riverland Cemetery, Lac du bonnet at a later date.

“The song is ended…But the melody lingers on”

                  Irving Berlin

www.soberingfuneralchapel.com

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