Ruth Grace was born on Saturday, March 8, 1958, in Hanover to Aubrey “Stewart” and Audrey Grace (Metcalfe) Adlam. Sadly, Ruth’s mother died suddenly the following day. Stewart found himself in a challenging spot and called upon his mother-in-law, Ruth’s grandmother, Emma Metcalfe to help care for Ruth.
When Ruth was still an infant, Stewart met a young woman by the name of Lillian Annie Daisy Boniface. The two soon fell in love and eventually married. Lillian quickly became a loving, caring, mother figure to young Ruth. At this time, the three called a farm in Bentinck Township home where Ruth attended a one-room school in Mulock. However, tragedy struck Ruth and her family again, when her father, Stewart, died suddenly in 1965. Lillian loved Ruth as her own and was nothing but a dedicated and committed mother. As Ruth said, “She was there to take my hurts away and make my cuts and scrapes better.” Lillian taught Ruth well, passing on her wisdom concerning knowing what was right from wrong, the importance of caring for people, and the necessity of saving, not buying on credit, and never being wasteful. Following Stewart’s death, Lillian and Ruth moved into an apartment in Hanover. Ruth attended school locally and Lillian worked outside the home at the Densmore Nursing Home as well as cleaning houses.
It was during her marriage to Stewart, and following, that Lillian expressed her ecumenical nature. She had grown up Methodist (and then United Church of Canada) and Stewart was Baptist. So, believe it or not, Lillian would attend the UCC service in the morning and the Baptist services in the evenings. Ruth too was ecumenical as she was a dedicated Baptist, confirmed Lutheran, and eventually attended St. John’s United Church in Chesley.
It was during their time in Hanover that Lillian was introduced to a bachelor by the name of George Austin Russell. After a short courtship, the two were wed on June 28, 1967, at Grace United Church, Hanover. Now it was not only Lillian, but also George, who was blessed with the pleasure of loving, and the task of raising, their daughter Ruth, who was nine years old at the time. Once married, Lillian began attending Lutheran worship services, taking Ruth along with her.
George had taken over his family’s farm at Lot 11, Concession 14, Bentinck Township in 1943, the year his mother Emma died. It was to this farm that Lillian and Ruth moved. In the fall of 1971, the Russell family moved to 4th Street South West in Chesley. Ruth attended Chesley District High School and began working at the Chesley Hospital part-time, after school and on weekends. Upon graduating from high school, she went on to complete a year-long correspondence in dietary services. Hired on by the hospital Ruth was expected to also work at the Walkerton and Kincardine sites in housekeeping. The formal position title was Multiservice Worker, however, given her training in dietary services that is where her comfort was. In time Ruth was hired full-time in the kitchen at Chesley Hospital and in those days patients received “real food “ prepared by the staff. All in all, Ruth retired in 2013 after 36 ½ years! What an accomplishment!
George and Lillian loved to go for car rides, and tales were often told by Ruth of their excursions. They probably traveled every country road in Grey and Bruce and one never knew where they might end up. Their day could begin with a trip to Hanover, and have them end up in Owen Sound, Tobermory, or even Orangeville! These excursions often involved Karen and Joan Gibbons. Of course, every trip included a meal out, several of which were aboard the Chi-Cheemaun. Every road trip was an adventure!
While Ruth was still working full-time and caring for her parents, she fell in love and cared for two racehorses – ‘I Am Mighty’ and ‘Beforever’. This was despite the caution given to Ruth, not to become too attached to her horses as it is too painful when they die, but it was too late. All in all, Ruth had her horses for four years. Her horses not only raced Saturday nights in Hanover but also in London and Flamborough.
As if this didn’t take up a lot of Ruth’s time, she also managed to sing in the St. John’s Choir and knit primarily afghans. Ruth enjoyed reading, as well. To know Ruth is to also know of her involvement with the Chesley Players and Bijou theatre. She did every job imaginable except directing. This was still on her bucket list even after moving to Elgin Abbey. However, the time commitment, as is any job related to live theatre, would have been too great! Ruth was associated with the theatre for well over twenty years. She could be seen there pretty much at any time of the day and people could rest knowing all was well at the theatre, i.e. doors locked, lights turned off, and so forth.
While still working, it was almost inevitable that if one saw Ruth they also saw Karen McManus, who also worked at the hospital. They spent a great deal of time just hanging out together. Although both women experienced their own health challenges in recent years they were reconnected in recent months when Ruth relocated to Durham, and called Rockwood Terrace home. In the later years, Ruth purchased a trailer in Cedar Rail Campground where she also enjoyed swimming. Ruth was also an avid lawn bowler! Of course, there were also the rowdy games of Scrabble (often using a double set of letters to compound the challenge) and Rummy!
Sadly, in recent years Ruth experienced her fair share of health challenges. She soon called Elgin Abbey home where she was welcomed by their amazing staff. With the love and support of family and friends, she made the most of every day. Her final move came in recent months, whereby she settled into her new home at Rockwood Terrace in Durham. It was here that Ruth passed away on Friday, January 5, 2024, in her 66th year.
Ruth will be missed by her Metcalfe, Boniface, Russell, and Adlam cousins. She was predeceased by her biological parents, Stewart and Audrey (Metcalfe) Adlam, and adoptive parents George and Lillian (Boniface) Russell.
Visitation will be held at Rhody Family Funeral Home, Chesley on Thursday, January 11, 2024, from 1 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 2 p.m. Private interment in Chesley Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or Diabetes Canada would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
It was a pleasure working with Ruth in two productions at the Bijou, as well as the Chesley Community Players Board. Funny how I didn’t know her history until I read her life story. Just shows that we need to take time to get to know people. Ruth suffered in the past couple of years but was still dedicated to the theatre. We had a lot of fun doing our productions. Rest peacefully Ruth
Sending my sincere condolences to all her family and friends. Ruth was a dear soul. She always had a cheerful greeting and a kind heart. It was fun to watch her perform at the Bijou. She really enjoyed it. We miss her.
Sympathy to Ruth’s family and friends. She will be missed by many who knew her. She always had time for a chat when you met her in town. Rest in peace.
Ruth was well know by all at the hospital. She was a solid Chesley community presence, constant and engaged. May she rest in peace.
We were shocked and sorry to hear of Ruth’s passing. We enjoyed getting to know her while being involved in plays at the Bijou. Rest well Ruth. Our sympathies to the family and friends.
I will miss your random calls Ruth, you were a pillar at the theatre, many good times were had!! Rest in peace Ruth.
Sending my condolences to Ruth’s family and friends. I am so saddened to hear of her passing. Ruth was a dear friend since her early days in Hanover. Fly high my new Angel! Love from your former neighbour and your forever friend. Sharon Lynch Stewart
Like to send my condolences. The nicest person and fun being on stage with.
Rest in peace my dear cousin Ruth. I have fond memories of visiting you on the farm.
Deepest sympathy to all of the families of Ruth. Both Linda and I have memories of growing up with Ruth and we will both miss her terribly. She had a big heart and great sense of humour and she was an avid lover of animals. Miss you already dear cousin…
Rest in peace Ruth. Gone too soon. Fond memories from school to Cedar Rail, to chats on the street. Thankyou for always making our day a cheerful one.
Chesley is going to really feel the loss of Ruth. There wasn’t a community meal or entertainment venue Ruth didn’t support. She was deeply committed to the Community Players, helping with running lines, lighting or wherever she may be needed. It was a privilege working along side her at the Thursday meal at the Chesley Baptist Church. Rest peacefully now Ruth.
I am fondly remembering our years working together at the Chesley Hospital. Rest in Peace Ruth. You have touched many hearts.
Ruth will be remembered by our family and at the Cotter Christmas, We are grateful that. Uncle George. Adopted you into our family. Rest in peace
I’ll miss the songs and laughter and the never a dull moment with our Ruthie around. She was 1 in a million.
Ruth was a friendly face and I know a loyal friend. She called me twice last year when she lived at Elgin Abbey just to talk and as always, ask about my family. She wanted to tell me that she had not been well and that soon she would be leaving Chesley. She was sad to move away and I know many were sad to see her go. She was a fixture in our town and will be missed. Rest in peace, Ruth.
Sorry to hear this; Ruth was enjoying her time in her new home, I heard..
Sincere sympathies on behalf of the Chesley Lawn Bowling Club, too.
b
My condolences to Tut’s family.
Ruth and I were friends in High School. We lost contact with each other after graduation.
We started catching up with each via Facebook a few years ago.
Ruth will be missed by everyone who knew her…
Ruth was a faithful member of the congregation of St. John’s United Church in Chesley and we will miss her. Our condolences to her family and friends.
My condolences to Ruth’s family. I worked with Ruth at the hospital. She will be missed. RIP Ruth.
My condolences to Ruth’s family. Went to public school with her and also worked at Chesley hospital with her.She was always a happy soul.❤️
Ruthie was a unique individual who devoted time to her community by working at the Chesley hospital, volunteering at theatre, church functions and out at the camp! She has touched many lives by adding that sparkle and giggle to our everyday lives! Cousins and friends will cherish those special memories of being with Ruth! 💗🙏
Very sincere condolences to Ruth’s family. We worked together at Chesley hospital and had very good times. I was looking forward to our time at Rockford which was quite short and I will miss Ruth very much.
Sorry to hear this. Ruth was a great lady. A good sense of humor too.
RIP Ruth…my condolences to the family
Our Deepest Sympathies to Ruth’s family. Treasured memories from Chesley Hospital Days! Rest in Peace Ruth
Ruth was a long time friend and we got to know each other through the theatre. She had a great heart and loved being at the Bijou in town. Whenever I directed a play Ruth was always there to lend a hand and pitch in wherever she could help. We did not need a directory of our props as she had it all in her head and could pretty well tell where to look. I checked all the doors and lights whenever we left but I knew that Ruth would always double check and all was secure. She often said that this was her second home. Rest gently Ruth and you have a new job in heaven as I figure there is a room that needs your checking into up there.
Peter and Ann
Our deepest sympathies.
Treasure the memories ❤️
Ruthie was a dear friend to so many people. She had such a unique laugh. Before Ruthie got I’ll she often was found chatting on the street or enjoying a coffee at Babbins. You will be missed my sweet friend.
May you soar high above us and watch over us.
Take care my dear Angel.
Sincerely
Sherry Caldwell
Our condolences to Ruth’s Family. I met Ruth through camping at Cedar Rail Family Campground. Ruth and I had several coffee dates at Babins while she was at Elgin Abbey. I will miss her and her laugh. R.I.P.
Sorry to hear of Ruth’s passing. I met her a few years ago. On a trip to see a friend in Canada. We played Mexican Train and she gave me some helpful hints on how to play.Rest In Peace getting your Just rewards.
You are the best ever Secret Pal. I will be looking to the heavens for a new star.
Ruth was such a good soul and had such a clever sense of humour!! She will be missed.
I so enjoyed being in several plays at the. Bijou with Ruth! We got along so well and had lots of laughs. My sincere condolences on an untimely passing.
I send my deepest sympathy in this time of sorrow. The Bible promises that your loved one will live again on a beautiful paradise earth when death will be no more. (John 5:28, 29; Revelation 21:4)
My deepest sympathy to the family, Ruthie was a great person. She will be missed.
Rest in Peace Ruthie. I will always have fond memories of you and that great laugh!
Rest in peace Ruth. Gone too soon. You will be missed by many! So sad to hear this. Deepest condolences 🙏 you will be in charge of heavenly productions! Fly high my friend ❤️
Condolences to the family and friends.
So sorry to hear this. She had a very unique personality that will be missed.
My deepest sympathy
My condolences to the family and friends of this unique lady. She will be sadly missed.
Our deepest condolences to the family. Ruth was a wonderful person.
My deepest condolences to the family