Ruth Grasse, 88, of Lacombe, Alberta, passed away October 8, 2020, in Lacombe.
Ruth was born February 3, 1932, in the state of Iowa, USA, to Ed and Katie Swartzendruber. After college, she taught in a one-room school before her marriage to Alvin Grasse in 1953. In 1966, Alvin and Ruth moved to Edson, Alberta, where they lived on an acreage and raised seven children, until their move to Lacombe in 2004. Ruth loved singing, good choral music, quilting, and was an avid reader. She helped teach Sunday School and led Bible Studies throughout her life. In her late 50s she returned to university and completed a 2 year diploma in Social Work. Following graduation she worked in an adult care home in Edson. Ruth served as a volunteer for 15 years in the Physical Therapy Department at the Lacombe Hospital and was on the Leadership Team of her church at the time of her passing.
Ruth is survived by children, Carolyn (Ron) of Virginia, Marilyn (Cliff) of Michigan, Susan (Craig) of Oregon, Mary Anne (Ron) of Leduc, Mim (Ron) of Lacombe, and Lowell (Heidi) of Didsbury; grandchildren, Amanda, Donald, Josh (Celeste), Katie (Chris), Todd, Beth-Anne, Calla, James, Emily, Jon, Kristen, Murray, Naomi, Tom, Lukas and Levi; great-grandchildren Dean, Etta and Vivian; daughter-in-law Janice Grasse, her sister Mary Lechner, and many dear relatives and friends. Predeceased by husband Alvin (2015), son Dennis (1997), brother Dean, and her parents.
She will be remembered as being a loving wife and mother, an encouraging teacher, and a wise friend. She was patient, calm, forward thinking, enjoyed warm and open relationships with her many grandchildren. Ruth’s deeply rooted faith was a constant companion in her life.
A Private Memorial Service will be held at Lacombe Evangelical Free Church, with Pastor Dan Berger officiating.
A Public Graveside Service will be held at Fairview Cemetery on October 17, 2020 at 11:00 am. Please meet at Wilson's Funeral Chapel at 10:30 am and we will be processing to the cemetery together.
Video of the services will be accessed on this website the evening following the service.
Memorial donations are suggested to any of the following: Lacombe Evangelical Free Church Missions, 4619 C & E Trail, Lacombe, AB T4L 1M9; Mennonite Central Committee, 210, 2946-32 Street NE, Calgary, AB T1Y 6J7; or Gideons International, http://gideons.ca
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Ruth (Swartzendruber) Grasse, please visit our floral store.