Obituary for Ruth Marie Gibson (Matthews)
Having lived an incredibly fulfilling life, the family of Ruth Marie Gibson (Matthews) wish to announce her peaceful passing on August 25, 2022 at the age of 93.
Ruth was born in Toronto, Ontario on June 4, 1929. Following the loss of their first two children in infancy, Percy and Ada Matthews were thrilled to welcome their 10 lb baby girl via Caesarian section. Ruth grew up in Welland, and Niagara Falls where she attended Diamond Jubilee Public School, and Stamford Secondary School. As a teenager, Ruth enjoyed her Summer job as a youth camp counsellor, and could also be found roofing houses, alongside her Dad who owned Stamford Lumber.
With her goal set on becoming a high school teacher, Ruth headed to the University of Toronto in 1948 where she completed both her Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education degrees. Always fiercely independent, Ruth’s intention was to be a single career woman, teaching high school, and seizing the opportunity to pursue her dream of travelling the world during the Summers. Her plan changed rather abruptly when Donald McQueen Gibson spotted her across the dance floor at U of T formal and proposed on the third date. The black and royal blue gown she was wearing remains a treasure…..Mom kept it forever.
Ruth and Don were married at Lundy’s Lane United Church in Niagara Falls on August 2, 1952 and settled in Tillsonburg where Ruth taught English and Physical Education at Annandale High School, while Don joined his father’s Law Practice. Together they were exemplary parents raising 3 children, Peter Gibson (Toronto), Cathy Gibson (Guelph) , and Mary Dockx and son-in-law , Dr. Daniel Dockx (Tillsonburg).
Ruth was an amazing role model to her 3 grandchildren, Dr. Christopher Dockx (Beth), Jamie Dockx (Sarah) and Jennifer Dockx (Jamieson). “Nan” eagerly looked forward to countless band concerts, sporting events, recitals, and graduations. Her love, guidance, and encouragement were tremendous influences on her grandchildren.
Ruth’s love of travelling the world was a lifelong passion. She and Don often visited the United Kingdom, Europe, and wintertime favourites, Grand Cayman and Florida. The African Safari, and the Australian Outback were treasured trips shared together before Don became unwell. Later, Ruth joined several guided tours enjoying adventures in Cambodia, Viet Nam, Egypt with daughter Cathy, Turkey, Japan, and Russia, all the while making new friendships along the way. As each grandchild reached the age of 12, Nan would arrange a special journey to England or Scotland. It brought her “pure joy” to see the sites through the eyes of her grandchildren. Ruth described a 2013 trip with son Peter to Petra, Jordan as a “magnificent highlight” of her travel experiences.
Always possessing a love for books and reading, Ruth was proud to be Chairperson of The Tillsonburg Library Board along with her dear friend Joan Ort, during the time the library was built in 1974/75. Ruth continued to volunteer at the library, happily delivering books to people in their homes until her health declined.
Ruth was blessed to have had wonderful friendships throughout her life. She eagerly anticipated yearly high school and university reunions with her girlfriends. Upon arriving in Tillsonburg, she quickly developed new friendships through both Travel Club, and Bridge Clubs lasting for decades. Ruth’s kindness, empathy, thoughtfulness, sincerity and zest for life made her a true friend to many, spanning all ages.
Ruth is survived by her sister, Rosada Bride (Winnipeg) and by her nieces Debbie Bride (Costa Rica) and Brenda (Ray) Desorcy (Winnipeg). She is predeceased by the love of her life, Donald M. Gibson (1994), her parents Percy and Ada Matthews, her father and mother-in-law, Donald F. and Violet Gibson-Crandall and brothers-in-law Richard Gibson, Peter Gibson, and Lorne Bride.
“To the World, you were our Mother, but to our family, you were our World.”
Following Ruth’s wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service. “Raise a glass of fine wine and make a toast to my wonderful life…a life well lived!”
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Dr. Barry Roth, and to the excellent staff of Woodingford Lodge Ingersoll for their compassionate care.
Donations in memory of Ruth Gibson may be made to The Oxford County Library, Tillsonburg Branch or The Alzheimer’s Society by contacting Ostrander’s Funeral Home, 43 Bidwell Street, Tillsonburg (519-842-5221).
Ruth was born in Toronto, Ontario on June 4, 1929. Following the loss of their first two children in infancy, Percy and Ada Matthews were thrilled to welcome their 10 lb baby girl via Caesarian section. Ruth grew up in Welland, and Niagara Falls where she attended Diamond Jubilee Public School, and Stamford Secondary School. As a teenager, Ruth enjoyed her Summer job as a youth camp counsellor, and could also be found roofing houses, alongside her Dad who owned Stamford Lumber.
With her goal set on becoming a high school teacher, Ruth headed to the University of Toronto in 1948 where she completed both her Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education degrees. Always fiercely independent, Ruth’s intention was to be a single career woman, teaching high school, and seizing the opportunity to pursue her dream of travelling the world during the Summers. Her plan changed rather abruptly when Donald McQueen Gibson spotted her across the dance floor at U of T formal and proposed on the third date. The black and royal blue gown she was wearing remains a treasure…..Mom kept it forever.
Ruth and Don were married at Lundy’s Lane United Church in Niagara Falls on August 2, 1952 and settled in Tillsonburg where Ruth taught English and Physical Education at Annandale High School, while Don joined his father’s Law Practice. Together they were exemplary parents raising 3 children, Peter Gibson (Toronto), Cathy Gibson (Guelph) , and Mary Dockx and son-in-law , Dr. Daniel Dockx (Tillsonburg).
Ruth was an amazing role model to her 3 grandchildren, Dr. Christopher Dockx (Beth), Jamie Dockx (Sarah) and Jennifer Dockx (Jamieson). “Nan” eagerly looked forward to countless band concerts, sporting events, recitals, and graduations. Her love, guidance, and encouragement were tremendous influences on her grandchildren.
Ruth’s love of travelling the world was a lifelong passion. She and Don often visited the United Kingdom, Europe, and wintertime favourites, Grand Cayman and Florida. The African Safari, and the Australian Outback were treasured trips shared together before Don became unwell. Later, Ruth joined several guided tours enjoying adventures in Cambodia, Viet Nam, Egypt with daughter Cathy, Turkey, Japan, and Russia, all the while making new friendships along the way. As each grandchild reached the age of 12, Nan would arrange a special journey to England or Scotland. It brought her “pure joy” to see the sites through the eyes of her grandchildren. Ruth described a 2013 trip with son Peter to Petra, Jordan as a “magnificent highlight” of her travel experiences.
Always possessing a love for books and reading, Ruth was proud to be Chairperson of The Tillsonburg Library Board along with her dear friend Joan Ort, during the time the library was built in 1974/75. Ruth continued to volunteer at the library, happily delivering books to people in their homes until her health declined.
Ruth was blessed to have had wonderful friendships throughout her life. She eagerly anticipated yearly high school and university reunions with her girlfriends. Upon arriving in Tillsonburg, she quickly developed new friendships through both Travel Club, and Bridge Clubs lasting for decades. Ruth’s kindness, empathy, thoughtfulness, sincerity and zest for life made her a true friend to many, spanning all ages.
Ruth is survived by her sister, Rosada Bride (Winnipeg) and by her nieces Debbie Bride (Costa Rica) and Brenda (Ray) Desorcy (Winnipeg). She is predeceased by the love of her life, Donald M. Gibson (1994), her parents Percy and Ada Matthews, her father and mother-in-law, Donald F. and Violet Gibson-Crandall and brothers-in-law Richard Gibson, Peter Gibson, and Lorne Bride.
“To the World, you were our Mother, but to our family, you were our World.”
Following Ruth’s wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service. “Raise a glass of fine wine and make a toast to my wonderful life…a life well lived!”
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Dr. Barry Roth, and to the excellent staff of Woodingford Lodge Ingersoll for their compassionate care.
Donations in memory of Ruth Gibson may be made to The Oxford County Library, Tillsonburg Branch or The Alzheimer’s Society by contacting Ostrander’s Funeral Home, 43 Bidwell Street, Tillsonburg (519-842-5221).