Ruth Bevan

1949 ~ 2026

It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved Mum/Mom, grandmother, aunt, friend and neighbour, Ruth Janice Bevan, on Monday, June 15, 2026, at the age of 76 years.
Born on July 14, 1949, in Dodsland, Saskatchewan, Ruth spent her early years on the family farm before living in North Battleford, Burstall and Abbey, Saskatchewan. She settled in Medicine Hat in the early 1970’s, and it became her home for most of her life, where she built her career, raised her family, and left a lasting impression on the community.
She was predeceased by her mother and stepfather, Joan and Reginald Wedel; father, Lloyd Bevan; sister, Ann Kappelman; brother, Anthony Bevan as well as numerous dogs, and most recently her beloved cat, Suzy.
She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Janice Berger (Mike) and her son, Jay Bevan. She shared a special bond with Austin Berger, Finley Crocker, Audrina Steciw, and Audrina’s children, Avery and Ethan and was grateful to have shared part of her life with Macaria Crocker and Rainie-Aliyah Crocker.
She is also survived by her niece, Jascinta Bevan; nephews, Colin Bevan (Bonnie) and Cameron Bevan; great-nieces, Kaitlyn Bevan and Hazel-Anaice Bevan; great-nephew, Conrad Bevan as well as  many friends, neighbours, and extended family members whose lives she touched over the years.
She worked at Cook’s Funeral Chapel for many years, first as the receptionist and then as a Funeral Service Co-ordinator. She supported families during difficult times and participated in community initiatives that provided care, comfort, and support to others. She then spent more than 25 years as manager of Hat News and Tobacco, where she became a well-known and familiar face in the community.
Ruth had a remarkable gift for people. She never forgot a face, a name, or what was happening in someone’s life. Whether it was something you mentioned months earlier or a challenge you were facing, she remembered. She believed deeply that you never truly know what someone else is going through and that a smile, a kind word or a brief conversation might be exactly what someone needs to make their day a little better. She lived that belief every single day, being a trusted sounding board, offering advice, support or simply a listening ear. Even during her unexpected long stay in hospital, her humour and spirit never faded and she entertained the doctors, nurses and staff with riddles, conversation, and her unmistakable wit.
One of the greatest joys of Ruth’s final years was finding a wonderful community where she made many dear friends, of all ages, and discovered a true sense of belonging. These years were among her happiest, filled with friendship, laughter and connection.
She loved animals and became the unofficial grandma to many neighbourhood dogs, who always knew exactly where to find treats and cuddles.
She was fiercely independent, sharp-witted, and never one to suffer fools gladly. She could bring someone to task with nothing more than a look and she had a gift for saying exactly what needed to be said. She was also an exceptional backseat driver and frequently managed to call another driver a “jackass” before anyone else had even formed the thought.
A passionate rug hooker, she would regularly announce she was “going hooking” with a cheeky grin that never failed to get a reaction. She enjoyed game shows, reading, especially Sherlock Holmes and cozy mysteries involving animals, and working on crossword puzzles. Cooking was another passion, as was collecting cookbooks and spices, trying new recipes, and sharing these with family and friends.
She loved a good bargain, and “Tight Ass Tuesday” was her favourite day of the month for grocery shopping. She enjoyed gambling, whether on a scratch ticket, sports, reality television, or game of cribbage, canasta and rummy, especially when money was at stake.
She also enjoyed her nightly Alberta Pure Vodka and Coke, and in her honour, we invite family and friends to raise a glass, share a story and toast a life well lived.
Her passing came far too soon, with many dreams and plans still ahead of her. The void left by her absence is immeasurable, but she will be remembered for her humour, wisdom, loyalty and being our biggest and most vocal champion. She had a gift for making people feel seen and believed life should be lived with laughter, a little bit of sass and never passing up a bargain. She didn’t care for plain or boring and her unforgettable spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have known her.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the incredible health care professionals in Medicine Hat and to the entire care teams on Units 59, 58, and ICU at the Peter Lougheed Centre in Calgary, including physicians, nurses, health care aides and all support staff who cared for her with kindness, compassion and dignity. Your dedication will never be forgotten.
In accordance with her wishes, there will be no funeral service. She will be laid to rest in Dodsland, Saskatchewan, alongside her sister and father.
Those wishing to honour Ruth’s memory are encouraged to make a donation to their local animal shelter and, if so inclined, raise a shot of vodka in celebration of a life well lived. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, Crematorium & Reflections Reception Facility, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4V4.  Telephone:  403-527-6455 or toll free at: 1-877-528-6455.

• Date : 2026-06-15
• Location : Calgary, Alberta

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