Joan Rutley passed away peacefully at Ivy House (Silver Kettle) in Grand Forks on Sunday, September 6th, 2015 at the age of 91.
Cherished mother of Jill Medvedeff (Paul), Carol Blackwell (Garston) and Irene Simkus (Ron), loving grandmother of Michael Shannon (Bri), Kristen Simkus (Pete Wessel) and Danielle Simkus. Joan is predeceased by husbands Gordon Rutley and Walter Dembicki, parents Charles and Cissie Harvey and sister Gladys Leckie.
After graduation from business college in Trail, Joan began her secretarial career at Cominco and later, was employed as an administrative assistant to the principal at Selkirk College.
Mom was a very accomplished machine knitter who enjoyed creating beautiful garments for family and friends. She was happy working in her flower gardens at the homes in which she lived in Trail, Castlegar, Genelle, Naramata, Cranbrook and Kamloops. Mom loved music and singing in choirs. She also enjoyed travelling with family and friends to explore new places. Most of all, Mom treasured time spent with her family.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to Dr. Keith Merritt, Dr. Nathan Dalla Lana, and the Drs., nurses and staff of the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital, Grand Forks Boundary Hospital and Ivy House in Grand Forks for their compassionate care of our mother. Thank you to the residents and staff of Castlewood Retirement Home for their friendships with Mom. A special thank you is extended to Mom’s companion, Alex Taranko, for all his care and kindness towards her.
As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC (#4-1551 Sutherland Avenue, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 9M9).
A service will be held in celebration of Joan’s life on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at 11:00am in St. David’s Anglican Church, 614 Christina Place, Castlegar, with The Reverend Elizabeth Huether officiating. Reception to follow in the church hall. Final resting place at the Mountain View Cemetery in Rossland. Gwen Ziprick of Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services has been entrusted with the arrangements. You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence at the family’s online register at www.myalternatives.ca
Mom, you were a treasured mother, grandmother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, niece and friend who always thought of others before yourself. We love you with all our hearts and we will miss you deeply.