Obituary of RUTH ELAINE LEISS

RUTH ELAINE LEISS

(nee Jeffery)

Ruth Elaine Leiss (nee Jeffery), also known as Grandma to all, passed away peacefully at the age of 79 at Seven Oaks Hospital on January 12, 2018.  She is survived by her husband Jakob, daughter Elaine (Garry), sons Gordon (Diana) and Kenneth (Lee).  Grandchildren Christina (Scott), Jennifer (Richard), Jakob, Mark (Rhonda), Jordon, Mathew, Kimberly, Krystal (Kevin).  Great grandchildren Eve, Anna, Kaitlyn, Sarah, Tayler, Megan, Amber, Avalea, Auden, Braeden, Kaliegh, Nolan, Emily, Sadie, Riley, Zachary, London, Parker.  She was predeceased by grandson Jesse, sisters May and Audrey, brothers Don and Art. 

Ruth was born on August 7, 1938 in Atikokan Ontario to Flora Caroline Edna McLeod and Clarence Gordon Jeffery.  Her family moved to Oak Point MB when she was young and this is where she grew up and made many friends throughout the Interlake.  She married Jakob Leiss April 26, 1958 in Winnipeg MB and they settled in Fort Rouge where she was a stay at home mom while her kids were little. In 1971 the family moved to Old Kildonan (Riverbend) where she resided until her passing.  She worked for Canada Safeway for many years and retired in 1993. 

Ruth was so much more than a Mom, Grandma or great Grandma.  She was the foundation of the family.  She helped to shape and raise 9 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and many others whom she considered family.  She taught the kids right from wrong, to eat what was given on the plate, to respect elders, how to cook and bake, to play card games and Chinese checkers but most of all, she taught to love.  She gave the best examples of how to love and accept.  She nurtured and cared for every person that came to her door no matter what the circumstance.  No one was ever turned away nor did anyone leave hungry. 

She was an amazing woman who loved her family dearly and attended everything the kids were involved in.  Birthdays, band concerts, Christmas concerts, soccer, hockey, ringette, special Olympics, dance recitals, basketball, volleyball, school plays, honor roll, graduations, farewells, choir, arts in the park, swimming lessons, cross country, track and field, fashion shows, girl guides, driving practice, competitions, awards, anything!  You name it, she was there, right up to the end with her oxygen tank in tow.  

She has passed on so many great life lessons, recipes and above all, memories.  Memories at the Whiteshell, memories of late nights playing cards and board games, working in the garden, picking dandelions for a penny a piece, baking in her kitchen, sewing, knitting, and long talks over cookies and milk just to name a few.  She was Mom or Grandma to everyone that was lucky enough to meet her and loved by all.

Grandma, if we knew the last time would be the last, we would have stayed a little longer, hugged you a little tighter and told you how much we love you….if we could, we wouldn’t let you go.

At Ruth’s request, there will be no service. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to Heart and Stroke Foundation.