Ruth Taylor

Ruth Taylor passed away peacefully on August 31, 2025, at Lakeside Manor Care Home, after living a long and full life grounded in her faith in God and her deep love for family.

Ruth was born on December 21, 1926, the second child of Captain Ronald and Ella Hicks, and a beloved sister to Ronnie. She enjoyed an idyllic childhood, spending summers on her grandparents’ chicken farm near Qualicum Beach, where she played with cousins and friends.

During the war, the family moved from Victoria to Vancouver after a submarine was spotted off the island. Ruth’s father transitioned from captaining a passenger ship to transporting troops, and felt the move would keep his family safer inland. Her mother, deeply devoted to the church, often traveled to start new congregations across interior B.C. Some of Ruth’s less fond memories from this time included long trips to small towns and the violin lessons she was forced to take—an instrument she never grew to love.

Ruth’s life changed after a chance meeting with a young farmer, Cliff Taylor, while visiting relatives on the prairies. Though she had originally planned to attend Saskatoon Bible College, her heart was set on life with Cliff. As a compromise with her parents, Ruth completed one semester at  Bible College before starting wedding preparations in Victoria. After a BC wedding, she moved to the farm. While her parents were initially hesitant, they soon recognized her deep love for Cliff and supported her decision.

The city girl embraced farm life in the 1940s with courage and determination. She adjusted to outhouses, melting snow for water, chopping wood, raising chickens, milking cows, and preserving the harvest from her large garden. Though the work was hard, Ruth thrived and found true happiness in the life she and Cliff built together.

Ruth was a quiet, gentle, and God-fearing woman with a strong and steadfast spirit. Once she made up her mind, she rarely changed it—a quality her children knew well. Her home was filled with humor, joy, and unconditional love, and the deep devotion she and Cliff shared was always evident. That love brings comfort now, knowing they are reunited.

Ruth is survived by her five children: Don (Joan), Bev, Linda (Harold), Pat, and Scott (Violet). She leaves behind 15 grandchildren—Devin, Holly, Dan, Lori, Mike, Tammy, Kim, Jeff, Cora, Tim, Jennifer, Matt, Lisa, Sarah, and Nathan—along with 36 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Cliff; her parents, Ron and Ella Hicks; her brother, Ron Hicks; her son-in-law, Oscar Wingrove; her grandson, Ronald Taylor (in infancy); and sisters-in-law, Audrey Bridgewater and Iris Aichele.

Ruth spent her final days being lovingly cared for at Lakeside Manor in Saltcoats. Her family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff for their compassion and kindness during her time there.

Ruth will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend whose faith and love shaped generations.

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