1931 – 2017
Mrs. Ruth Melnyk, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at Queen Victoria Hospital, on Saturday, January 7, 2017, at the age of 85. A Memorial Service and Tea will be held for her in the spring……details to be announced at a later date. Her life was filled with family and friends and was blessed to enjoy four generations of her family.
Marjorie Mae Ruth Melnyk (nee Sinfield) was born on May 1, 1931 in Chapleau, Ontario. In 1945 the CPR moved the Sinfield family to Revelstoke and Ruth attended Revelstoke High School where she was known for her love and talent in music as she played for the School Band, as well, she was also the Captain and Guard on the Girls Basketball Team. She met the love of her life, Emil Melnyk there, who predeceased her at 56 years of age in 1984 after 32 years of marriage. Ruth worked at Mannings Restaurant and later the Post Office. Ruth was a tireless worker on the Melnyk farm and the family motel, Aspen Grove. In 1984 Emil and Ruth were awarded the jobs of Caretaking of Mount Begbie Manor. Unfortunately due to Emil’s passing, Ruth therefore worked as Caretaker herself and then ultimately as Manager for the Mount Begbie Manor for the next 24 years and treated everyone there as if they were family. Her chocolate trifle was always a hit for birthdays celebrated by the tenants. She was a wonderful person who would do anything for anyone who needed help and will always be missed and remembered as a very loving wife, daughter, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.
Ruth also had a deep love of music. She played piano, organ and even a chanter at one time. She was proud of her training from the Toronto Royal Conservatory of Music. Ruth was the Rehearsal Pianist for many local Theatre Musical Productions and taught piano for years to many local students whom have said they can attribute their love for and musical ability to Ruth. She was a member of the Revelstoke United Church and was an organist there for many years. Her love of music extended into the community where she played for many weddings and funerals for people of all faiths. Ruth was the ‘go to’ person for the Funeral Director when they needed help. In her younger days, Ruth, along with the Cwikula brothers and others, played for the Old Time Dance Club, as well accompanied many old time fiddlers in competitions and later she played for the Seniors Choir. She was known to have her piano loaded onto the old family one ton to play in the local parades, nearly rolling the piano at Moberly Manor. When Ruth moved to Mt. Cartier Court, her piano went with her where she continued to play and entertain the residents as long as she was able. Music was definitely her passion.
Another of Ruth’s interests was with the Eastern Star ladies fraternal organization and she had been an active member since 1951. She had been a Worthy Matron and a Grand Organist.
Ruth was a strong, determined, and most tenacious woman. She was a woman of strength which was demonstrated when she’d rise to any occasion even if it was completely out of her comfort zone. Ruth showed her family the importance of hard work, but most importantly, how family always came first in her heart.
Many happy times were spent with family and friends, often around a dinner table or a cup of coffee. The door was always open in her home and the kettle was always on. She liked to go for coffee and French fries with her friends at A&W. Many of those friendships from school, church and Sewing Circle continued to flourish across time.
Ruth was predeceased by her parents, William and Norma Sinfield, her sister Margaret McMahon and her brother-in-law Tom McMahon, as well, her brother-in-law Conway Jones, all of Revelstoke. She is survived by her children Bob (Melanie) Melnyk of Revelstoke; Maureen (Russell) Taylor of Chapin, SC; Bill (Debbie) Melnyk of Revelstoke; and her sister Marion Jones of Revelstoke; grandchildren Leisja Melnyk of Lethbridge, AB; Jodie (Tyrel) Graham of Revelstoke; Jack Taylor of Chapin, SC; great-grandchildren Riley and Kaeden Knutson of Lethbridge, AB; and Cyprus and Savannah Graham of Revelstoke. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and special friends that she loved dearly.
The family would like to thank Dr. Chris MacDonald, all the nurses, the care-aides and staff at Mt. Cartier Court and Queen Victoria Hospital. Also Teckla and Val for their special attention to Ruth’s care. We appreciate all your compassion and care during Ruth’s time.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Queen Victoria Hospital Foundation, C/o Bag 5000, Revelstoke BC V0E 2S0. Cremation arrangements are in the care of Brandon Bowers Funeral Home, Revelstoke.
Online condolences may be sent to Ruth’s family by visiting her obituary at www.brandonbowersfuneralhome.com.
