Holmes, Ruth
March 20, 1941 ~ September 18, 2025
HOLMES, Ruth Elaine – It is with heavy hearts that the family announces the passing of Ruth Holmes on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at Bluewater Health Sarnia. Beloved wife of Ralph for 63 years. Loving mother of Calvin (Tara), Darryl (Lori) and Karen Holmes. Cherished grandmother of Walker, Kyleigh, Teegan, Maci and Niko. Ruth will be missed by many friends, cousins, nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents Bruce and Melva Carruthers, and sisters Carole Cameron and Lois Smith. Survived by sisters Betty Colbourne and Gail Behm. Ruth was a dedicated teacher for more than 30 years. After retirement, she and Ralph became avid golfers. Together, they travelled the world with family and friends. Known for her kindness and generosity, Ruth will be remembered for her zest for life, her sense of adventure, and her humour. Her family will forever miss her hugs, her love and her laughter.
Funeral Details
Family and friends will be received at STEADMAN BROTHERS FUNERAL CHAPELS, Brigden on Monday, September 22, 2025 from 6 to 8pm. A Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at 11am from the funeral home, followed by a luncheon at Brigden Community Hall.
Donations
In lieu of flowers, sympathy may be expressed through donations to Sixth Line United Church.
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Condolences (31)
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Betty and Gail, so sorry to read of Ruth’s passing. My condolences go out to you and your families.
It’s Brynlea and Mike Barbeau. We would like to send our condolences to you Ralph and your entire family. We were just talking about you both and remembering Antigua, our visits and your attendance at our wedding. Our heartfelt sympathy 💐
Our sincere condolences to Ralph and family during yhis time of sorrow. Ruth was a lovely person.
Dear Ralph and Family
Very sorry to hear about Ruth passing. Our sincere condolences to you and your family.
Gary & Dolores McGRegor
Dear Ralph, Karen, Calvin and Darryl and families. We are so sorry to hear of your sad loss. It was a joy to sing along side Ruth in the church choir for many decades. Cheryl and I are away but we are thinking of you with much caring. Jan and Cheryl.
So sorry for your loss Ralph and your family. I know I haven’t seen you for a long time but at Polysar functions she seemed very sweet and kind.
I’d like to extend my sincere condolences to Ralph and the family. Ruth was a wonderful person who meant so much to many over all her years of teaching. Psalm 48:14 says, “For this God is our God for ever and ever; He will be our guide even to the end.” Much love and prayers – Bonnie Stuckless
Dear Uncle Ralph, Calvin, Darryl and Karen;
I will not fill this space with empty platitudes. It is hard to lose a mom (and wife) at any age. Ruth was lucky. She lived a full and wonderful life. Hopefully this thought will sustain you in the months and years that follow.
You will be in our thoughts and prayers tomorrow.
With Love, Maria, Walter, Julian & Patrick De Ros
Our sincere condolences to Uncle Ralph and the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ralph and family, Betty and Gail and families: so sorry to hear of Ruth’s passing! I have many fond memories of Ruth from years ago when Lois and I were close friends! I remember our boys playing hockey in Mooretown. Ruth was an awesome teacher and a wonderful person! Everyone who knew and loved her will miss her dearly!
Uncle Ralph, and family, our sincerest heartfelt condolences go out to all of you.
Throughout the years we have shared many happy memories with our Aunt Ruth. One of our treasured memories was being her flower girls at her wedding 62 years ago.
After our own Mother’s death, Aunt Ruth became our second mother. She always kept in touch with us which we truly appreciated.
Aunt Ruth will be sincerely missed by us dearly. We will miss our visits and many talks tremendously.
Words seem to small to express the sadness we both feel about our Aunt Ruth’s passing. She was a WONDERFUL Aunt to us both.
P.S. Aunt Ruth I will really miss the hours we used to spend on the phone.
Love Sherri
Terri and Sherri Massie
Our thoughts and prayers go to Daryl and Lori and all the family’s.
My sincere condolences to all the family . I have known Ruth fog a long time. Remembering all the times at their house on the lake
Ralph and Family. So very sorry to hear of the passing of Ruth. Always enjoyed time spent with you in Arizona and introducing you to Newfoundland countryside and culture. Sorry we are unable to be there for the visitation or funeral, we are currently out of the province. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.
So sorry to hear of Ruth’s passing. Thinking of you all.
My sincere condolences to you all. I enjoyed a visit with Ruth this spring with my dad. She has left wonderful memories for many people. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
My sincere condolences to the family. I had the pleasure of meeting Ruth the summer of 2022. She was so kind to me. Rest in peace Ruth .
Our deepest condolences Ralph,Calvin, Darryl and family. Ruth was an amazing person. She will be truly missed.
An everlasting memory of my Great Aunt Ruth,
Ill always remember going to your house the first time as a kid and saying, “Oh my god Mom are they rich??”. I loved the farm, the fields, exploring all the field tractors. The smell of the dill field by the pool. A feeling of pure bliss. That’s how I’ll remember you ❤️
-Sarah Parsons (Massie) and family.
To Ralph and family; Ray and I are so sorry for your loss……..Ruth and I met on a golf course in the late nineties. We played golf together for years at Huron Oaks, took golf trips for another 25 and stayed in touch. Our relationship was long lasting, comforting and joyful. I will miss her.
Del & Ray Arseneault
Ralph and family,
So sorry for the loss of your beloved Ruth. With sincere sympathy, Mary Cassin (former co-worker).
our deepest sympathy Ralph, and to all your family.
So sorry to hear that Ruth passed away. Our heartfelt sympathies to Ralph and family.
Condolences to Betty and Gail. Hold on to your memories of a special sister.
Lois ( Carrothers) Hastings
My sincere sympathy to all of Ruth’s family.Ruth was a wonderful person and a teacher “extra ordinarie. She will be sadly missed by all.Catharine McKenna
Ralph & Family..
So sorry to read that Ruth has passed away..
Cherish the memories of time spent together..
Hugs from Doug & Betty
Sincere sympathy to Ruth and her family; especially Betty who was her sister. I know you always spent a lot of time together. Always terrible to lose a loved one. Treasure the wonderful memories you have of her.
Ralph and family: Jeff and I send our sincere sympathies to you all, keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers.
To all of Ralph’s families
My heartfelt sympathy to everyone
I am sure over all her years teaching she made an impact on all her students
May all the memories that have made and stored bring comfort now and forever hold her close Hugs
Our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the Holmes family. Sending you love and strength during this difficult time
Karen, Ralph, Calvin, Darrel, and family. Words of sympathy feel inadequate in expressing grief and sorrow for a loss so great. Wishing you happiness looking back, strength looking forward, and solace in the present.