Ruby Rice

Ruby Rice

July 3, 1932 – December 23, 2022

Ruby Rice, beloved wife of the late Delbert Rice, went home to be reunited with her husband in heaven, at the age of 90 years on December 23. She was the loving mother of sons Murray (Sherri) and Don as well as grandsons Daniel and Timothy. She will also be dearly missed by sister Marlyss (Louis) Crockett, sister in law Jean Keith and brothers in law Wendell (Ruth) Rice and Stan Rice. Ruby was predeceased by husband Delbert, brother Wilbert Wiebe, sisters in law Hilda Wiebe and Judy Rice and brother in law Bill Keith.

Ruby Rice was born July 3, 1932 in Hepburn, Sask. to Jacob and Annie Wiebe, who were both teachers in several different single room rural schoolhouses near Saskatoon. When Ruby was two, she surprised her mother by reciting the 23rd Psalm that her Mom had been teaching to her older brother. Her early exposure to the Scriptures made a lasting impression and she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Saviour at the age of eight and was baptized at age 16.

Her formal education started at Marion School and continued at Renfrew, Gruenthal, Hepburn, Three Hills (Alberta) and Dalmeny High School. When Mom was just 16 years old, she developed tuberculosis and had to spend six months being treated in the Saskatoon Saan (Sanatorium).  She spent a year at Briercrest Bible Institute (1952-53) and graduated from Saskatoon Business College (1955). She worked as a secretary at Royal University Hospital and at the Saskatoon West School Unit and later at Western Ontario University.

Her family attended Ebenezer Baptist Church and Ruby and sister Marlyss, became members in 1957. Ruby taught a children’s Sunday School class and became a church pianist. Ruby soon started getting rides home from a fine young man named Delbert Rice. They were married on May 7, 1960. The young couple soon moved to London, Ontario and then Ottawa where Del worked as a research scientist.

In 1966, Del and Ruby welcomed their firstborn son, Murray. He was joined four years later by brother Donald. They had a very happy life in Kanata, Ontario until Del unexpectedly passed away in 1982. She moved with her family back to Saskatoon just a few months later.

Ruby got involved with a widows support group and always showed deep compassion and sympathy towards those in similar situations. She volunteered faithfully with the Royal University Hospital Auxiliary for 22 years. And Ruby served as pianist and organist at Ebenezer Baptist Church and other churches for several decades, both receiving and giving great joy to many through her worshipful playing.

Mom was known for dressing immaculately, frequently wearing red outfits and always matching precisely. Her bright smile would light up any room and she visited frequently with many friends and family members. She thoroughly enjoyed watching Montreal Expos and Toronto Blue Jays baseball games as well as almost all of both of her son’s slo-pitch softball games. While Murray and Sherri were still living in Saskatoon, Mom was thrilled to look after young Daniel, and take him on many carriage rides as a baby. Later she was overjoyed to add second grandson Timothy, after their family had moved to Texas.

Don was able to move in with Mom about seven years ago and enjoyed being there to help her through different health issues. Ruby showed an uncanny knack at playing bocce ball when visiting Preston Park, winning several medals and being very popular with many newfound friends. She loved traveling, along with Don, to visit close friends in Ottawa, and she continued to receive great joy from both playing her favourite game scrabble, and playing the piano and organ.

Many thanks go to Dr. Shanna Fenton & numerous doctors at CCFP who went the extra mile in providing help. In addition, numerous caregivers spent much time with Ruby, making her days easier, including close family friends Lois and Myrna as well as Christy, Skylar and Crystal and several special caregivers who showed great compassion through Homecare.

In addition to an informal December 28th gathering at 2:00 p.m. at Ebenezer Baptist Church for close friends and family, a larger memorial service will be held in the spring. Details will be announced at a later date. Memorial donations can be made in Ruby’s honor to the RUH Foundation at www.ruhf.org. Please go to the donation subpage and indicate a donation in honour of Ruby Rice.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Dalmeny Funeral Home 306-254-2022.