TROTTER, RUTH KATHERINE (nee DAVIDSON), passed away suddenly and peacefully at the Good Samaritan South Ridge Villa on December 17, 2023, at the age of 83 years.

Born on February 14, 1940, in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Ruth was a Valentine’s Baby, destined to love deeply and to be loved by all who knew her. She was the fifth of the nine children born to Gertrude and Carl Davidson. Her father, who liked to call her Tidley as a girl because she was petite but quick, had a special place for her in his heart, as did her big brother Ralph, to whom she would share a close bond all her life.

Ruth and her siblings were raised on the family farm outside of Moose Jaw, where she continued to live and work until she met the love of her life, Thomas “Tom” Trotter. They were married on December 17, 1960 and enjoyed a happy and full life. Ruth and Tom moved to Medicine Hat in the late 1960s and made it their permanent home. She spent the majority of her career in the health care industry, retiring from her position at the St. Joseph’s Home for the Aged.

Ruth was the proud mother of three beautiful daughters: Sheila Vandermeulen (Kevin), Joan Trotter, and Donna, who tragically died in infancy. Ruth always loved her time with her family but especially relished being a grandmother to Christa Moss (Bryan), Craig Vandermeulen, and Chad Vandermeulen. Perhaps the only thing better than being a grandmother to three, was being a great grandmother to three: Linden Sheppard, Riley Sheppard, and Chloe Moss. Her growing family was always dear to her heart and brought her endless joy. Despite the distance between them, Ruth keep in touch with her family and spent time in her later years visiting with them through Facetime, thanks to Sheila’s help.

Ruth and Tom enjoyed many family vacations and loved to take their girls camping and fishing. She also enjoyed walks along the coulees in and around Medicine Hat. While a resident at Chinook Village, she enjoyed playing cards and shuffleboard. Although she was quiet and preferred to keep to herself, Ruth was a loyal and true friend.

Ruth successfully battled cancer but spent her final years battling Parkinson’s disease. She fought both battles fiercely and courageously, and always with so much grace and dignity. She was a remarkable woman to all who knew her.

Ruth is survived by her daughters, Sheila and Joan as well as her three grandchildren and three great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Reta; brothers, Ralph (Linda), Roy, and Ray, as well as several nieces and nephews. Ruth was loved by all who knew her and she will be missed more than she could know.

She was predeceased by her parents, Carl and Gertrude; four siblings, William, Harold, Joyce, and Donald; her husband Tom and their daughter Donna.

In the early afternoon of December 17, her beloved husband Tom reached down to her from heaven and told her it was time. Ruth went with him peacefully, happy to be reunited with the love of her life on their wedding anniversary.

The family extends their gratitude to the staff at the Good Samaritan South Ridge Villa for their care and support of Ruth in her final years, and to her daughter Sheila for doing everything possible to care for her mother and ensure that she was always surrounded by love.

A memorial service for Ruth will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Parkinson’s Association of Alberta in memory of Ruth. To leave a message of condolence you may visit www.pattisonfuneralhome.com.

• Date : 2023-12-17
• Location : Medicine Hat, Alberta

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