November 21, 1934 - October 10, 2020
On October 10th, 2020, Ruth slipped away quietly in her sleep, her beautiful voice now silenced, except in our memories.
Ruth was born in Consort, Alberta on November 21, 1934, the 12th of 14 children. Her Spencer family life was interrupted with the accidental death of her father when she was 2, and she was adopted by Stella and Alf Sones and later moved to Victoria when she was 11 years old.
Her childhood, while marred by the breakup of her birth family (who later happily reunited), was filled with music and art; dual creative pursuits that gave her joy until the end. She was cast as the female lead in her high school musical, The Rose of the Danube, where she met and fell in love with her leading man Prince Karl, aka Dennis Tupman.
A career in nursing was launched at Royal Jubilee Hospital and in1957 she and Dennis welcomed their first child into their lives. Career opportunities took them to Kitimat BC later that same year, where they helped establish the community arts scene in the burgeoning town.
Two more daughters were added to the family, followed by a move to Vancouver in 1971. These were busy years as Ruth returned to work and began teaching nursing at BCIT.
A drive through the Cariboo in the mid-80s led to the purchase of a cabin at Green Lake, where many summers were happily spent as grandchildren were added to the mix. In 1992 they ultimately settled there for their retirement years, purchasing a permanent home that became the hub of family life.
Involvement with church, choir and community arts filled the days, even after ill health brought challenges. Ruth spent her final months in the care of Millsite Lodge in 100 Mile House and the family would like to acknowledge their loving care when COVID-19 meant visits were limited.
She leaves behind to feel her loss, her husband of 64 years, Dennis Tupman, her three daughters, Raechel Tupman, Allison (Brad) Neumann and Denise Tupman, her 6 grandchildren, Matthew (Sayde) Neumann, Megan (Ben Pryputniski) Neumann, Andrea Neumann, Hayley (Aaron) Moldenhauer, Alex (Liam Thwaites) Gipps, and Kenny (Tristina) Gipps, and her 7 great-grandchildren, Aubrey and Grady Moldenhauer, Hunter Archibald, Mara and Thea Neumann and Lilly and Michael Gipps.
"After you've gone, life will go on
Like an old song we have sung."
Should you wish to make a donation in Ruth's memory, the family requests your support for the 100 Mile & District Arts Council, Box 2262, 100 Mile House BC V0K 2E0 www.100milearts.com. Due to COVID restrictions, a celebration of life will be planned for a later date.