Ruth Violet Briggs
November 11, 1926 – September 22, 2017

 “We lost an amazing lady; our mom Ruth Briggs, a very gentle soul has gone to be with her Lord.”  Ruth Violet (nee Gassall) Briggs of Quill Plains Centennial Lodge, Watson, SK, (and formerly of Spalding, SK), passed away peacefully at her residence on Friday, September 22, 2017.  She was 90 years of age. Ruth was born on November 11, 1926, to Frederick and Margaret (nee Leah) Gassall in the Saskatoon area.  She attended Floral School, then moved to Saskatoon to finish her education.  Ruth was always pleased to say that she went to school with Gordie Howe, who was also born near Floral.  After completing a secretarial course, she worked in Saskatoon. Ruth met the love of her life, Stewart Briggs, when he was on leave from the Canadian Armed Forces.  They were married on July 15, 1946, and started their life together in the Spalding district.  Life was difficult, but they persevered and worked side-by-side, whether in the field or tending to their livestock.  Their family of three girls were raised on the farm.  The Briggs table was always a meeting place for dinner or coffee time.  No one was every turned away or left hungry; an extra plate was always available.  When Ruth’s family left to pursue their lives, she went to work at the Spalding Pharmacy.  When the grandchildren started to arrive, they were greeted with great joy; hugs and kisses were always offered and they would still wait for Ruth’s hugs as adults.  Ruth always had time to talk to all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, making them all feel very important.  Everyone will remember her standing at the door waving goodbye and telling them she loved them, and that they should phone when they got home, whether they were going ten miles or a hundred.  Ruth and Stewart loved the lake and spent a lot of time at their Marean Lake cabin.  In later years, they started attending chuck wagon races with their very dear friends, the Souter family, who became extended family members to Ruth and Stewart.  In 1986, they sold the farm and moved to Spalding.   Over the years, Ruth was a member of the White Dove Society, volunteered at the Spalding Museum, and spent many hours working at the Spalding Bowling Alley.  Her greatest passions in life were her family first and foremost, quilting, needlework, gardening, and tending to her plants and flowers.  She will be remembered for her good ethics, hard work, and importance of the love she had for her family.  On October 16, 2011, Stewart passed away.  Ruth continued to live in their home for another four years, and then moved to Sunshine Manor in Watson.  Just three weeks ago, she became a resident of Quill Plains Centennial Lodge.  Ruth will be lovingly remembered by her three daughters and 12 grandchildren:  Beryl Slater (Albert Rose) and family, Michael (Erin) Slater, Paul (Susan) Slater, Brent (Brittany) Slater, Brock (Renae) Slater, Cindy (Fidelio) Borges, and David (Erin) Rose; Brenda (James) Pomfrey and family, Derrick Pomfrey, Corey Pomfrey, and Jennifer (Devon) Gillanders; and Shirley (Lloyd) McLeod and family, Laurie (Ashley) Reschny, Jody McLeod (Dave Bilokraly), and Robert (Leslie) McLeod; 16 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Lorne (Myrtle) Briggs; very special friends, Vincent and Florence Dewing; and by numerous nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her husband, Stewart Briggs; son, Marlin (in infancy); parents, Frederick and Margaret (nee Leah) Gassall; parents-in-law, Lee and Mable (nee Gray) Briggs; 16 step-brothers and step-sisters and their spouses; two sisters-in-law and their spouses; and by numerous nieces and nephews.  The Funeral Service was held at Crossroads Bible Church, Spalding, on Thursday, September 28, 2017, at 2:00 p.m., officiated by Pastor Brian Unger.  Others taking part were:  Marlyn Jackson, music ministry; Laurie Reschny and Jody McLeod, memorial table attendants.  Honorary pallbearers were Vincent and Florence Dewing, as well as all others who shared in Ruth’s life”.  Active pallbearers were Paul Slater, Brock Slater, Michael Slater, Brent Slater, Robert McLeod, Derrick Pomfrey, and Cory Pomfrey.  Interment followed at Naicam Public Cemetery, Naicam, SK.  Memorial donations may be directed to the Quill Plains Centennial Lodge Renovation Fund.

This Notice Is Courtesy Of
Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel - Humboldt, Saskatchewan
(306-682-4114)