Obituary of Ruth Maree Murray
Ruth was born in Millstream on December 2, 1933, and was lovingly raised by her Uncle and Aunt, David and Maude (McMillan) Law on the homestead in the Head of Millstream. Ruth was the daughter of the late Ambrose Thomas and Clara (Hutchins) McMillan. The McMillan's and other families lived together as one large community, sharing in all aspects of life from farming to gathering as family and friends.
Ruth received her teacher's degree in 1953, and taught in schools in Havelock, Pleasant Ridge and in Penobsquis where she met husband Harley Murray.
One fond memory while courting Ruth was of Harley travelling from Penobsquis to Millstream when David Law met Harley at the bottom of the driveway with the lantern. The two were married in the Head of Millstream Church on July 11, 1953 and lived in Penobsquis until they moved back to the family farm at the Head of Millstream. A busy time was spent raising six children, helping with the farm, being involved in the Community, Church and forming many lasting memories and friendships.
In 1968, the Murrays moved to Sussex where Ruth proceeded to supply teach. As her family grew older she worked outside the home in various occupations; at Black's, Gillies Boys and Girl's Wear and the Mercantile Block. Ruth was involved in the United Church and along side of Harley forming Cub Scouts which continued for many years.
After raising her family, they purchased Singer Crafts and Creations. She ran the store for 10 years, yet still managing to travel West to visit her daughters and spend her time with her new grandchildren. She maintained constant involvement with her family, church and community.
Ruth took time to pursue her passion of her flower gardens, traveling, square dancing, playing cards, walking, visiting with neighbours as well as being a good neighbour. She always had the cupboard filled with cookies, rolls and something special for all. Ruth enjoyed knitting Harley's socks and making quilts and blankets for her children, grand children and great-grand children. She is a life-time member of the UCW in Millstream and at St Paul's United Church.
Ruth will live on in the hearts of Harley her beloved husband of 62 years, her children: Sharon Doucet and Richard Bruneau of McLennan, Alberta, Cindy Creighton and her husband Edgar of Sussex, Joyce Hayes and her husband Stephen of Chestermere, Alberta, Doug Murray and his wife Debbie of Sussex, Sandra Metivier and her husband Guy of Stellerton, Nova Scotia, David Murray and his wife Lenora of Sussex; her son-in-law: David Doucet of Donnelly, Alberta, her grandchildren: Tara -Lee Bak and her husband Daryl of Grimshaw, Alberta, Joel Doucet and his wife Marilyn of Grande Prairie, Alberta, Angela Creighton of Sexsmith, Alberta, Karla Branscombe and her husband Peter of Sussex, Karen Creighton and Adam Masson of Saint John, Ramona Bicar of Edmonton, Alberta, Laura Hayes and Andy Smith of Chestermere, Alberta, Brent Hayes of Penhole, Alberta, William Murray of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Cassandra Murray of Sussex, Jessica Murray of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Tonia Metivier-White and her husband Chance of Tracey Mills, Collette Metivier and Caleb Foster of Tracy Mills, Gabriel Metivier and Melanie Roddick of Stafford, PEI, Hannah Murray and Sarah Murray of Sussex; her great-grandchildren: Connor Bak, Hayden Bak, Dereck Brulotte, Caleb Doucet, Maeve Branscombe, Raym Murphy, Rhone White, Rhea White, and Ryker Metivier Foster; her sisters-in-law: Zita McMillan of Ontario and Thelma M. McMillan of Saint John, and by her brother-in-law: William (Bill) Murray of Sussex
Ruth Maree Murray of Sussex passed away at the Sussex Health Centre on November 29, 2015 at the age of 81. She is predeceased by her brothers: Budd, George, Edwin and Gerald and by her sisters Norma Dunphy and Sissy "Clara" Blagdon. Ruth lived a long fulfilling life. She was a strong independent woman with love and compassion for her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren as well as extended family. Ruth believed in good works and treating everyone she knew or met with respect. She will be forever remembered and loved by all who knew her.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the compassionate care of Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex, (506-433-1176) where visitation will be held on Tuesday from 1-3 and 6-8pm.
A service celebrating Mrs. Murray’s life will be held from St. Pauls United Church on her birthday December 2, 2015 at 11:00 am, followed by a private family interment in Kirk Hill Cemetery. The family will be returning to the Church Hall for a time of fellowship and refreshments.
If you are considering making a memorial donation the family has recommended the Salvation Army Christmas Campaign to provide a Christmas for the less fortunate or to Sussex Hospice
