Linda Ruth Ann Watty

Ruth Ann Watty (nee Garlough) passed to her eternal rest on Wednesday, May 29, 2013 at K-W Grand River Hospital. She was 64 years old. Her death resulted from two major stroke events that had happened in recent weeks.

Ruth was the cherished wife of Frank Watty, loving mother of Adrian (Anne) of Vancouver  and Darryl (Jacqueline) of Kitchener. She was granny to Maxwell  (Vancouver) and Ashton (Kitchener).

Ruth Ann also leaves behind her brothers; Gordon (Gladys), Bruce (Mary-Ellen), and Hugh (Zonia), all of Williamsburg and Murray (Debbie) of Guelph, as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents, Wilbur and Hilda (Merkley) Garlough of Williamsburg. In addition, she is remembered by a multitude of relatives-in-law who are scattered over three continents.

Ruth Ann attended primary and secondary school in her local community and graduated from University of Guelph (MacDonald Institute) in  Child and Family Studies  (1970). 

Most of her working life was spent in her chosen field working with new immigrants to Canada through English as a Second Language (ESL) programs and Head Start programs in Kitchener – Waterloo. She served as a teacher,  Advisory Board member, and Administrator. She had retired at age 60. 

Ruth was an avid gardener, quilter and orchidist. She was a regular canvasser for several medical related charities in her own community.

Ruth Ann had been ‘adopted’ by the West Indian community through her marriage to Frank. She was loved and admired by both cultures for her (seemingly) easy bridging of the perceived or imagined divide between them. 

She, Frank and all their family managed to visit their Caribbean community (Dominica)  together in  the 2011 Christmas season.

Funeral arrangements were handled by Erb & Good Funeral Home, Waterloo with valued assistance from Marsden McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg.

A celebration in gratitude for  Ruth’s life took place on Saturday June 1, 2013, at her family church – First United in Waterloo – with Rev. Dr. Bill Steadman officiating and over 400 friends and family participating. 

 Interment  was in Bouck’s Hill Cemetery (Williamsburg) on Sunday, June 2,  with  arrangements by Marsden McLaughlin and service conducted by Rev. Ralph Taylor (Williamsburg United).

Memorial donations may be directed to Heart & Stroke Foundation or First United Church, Waterloo, Ontario.