It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister Eleanor Ruth Rukavina. She died in her sleep on Christmas Eve, 2018, at the age of 80 years, at the Central Peace Health Complex – Long Term Care in Spirit River.

Eleanor was born July 24, 1938 in Ferintosh, AB to David and Elizabeth Fontaine. She married Joseph Rukavina on March 2, 1957 in Rycroft, where they farmed and also raised their six children. Mom was a great homemaker, wife and mother. She loved gardening and was an excellent baker.

She will be forever missed by her husband Joe of 61 years; six children: Gail, Laura, Jerry, Joanne, Donna, and Lenny; brothers Harvey and Merle; as well as her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her mother and father, brothers Eldon and Gordon, sister Joan, and her grandson Conan.

Special thanks to the staff of Spirit River long term care for all your care and compassion; to Dr. Phillips for being her doctor for all these years; and, to everyone for helping us get through this tough time.

Prayers will be held on Friday, December, 28, 2018, at 7:30pm, at Oliver’s Funeral Home in Grande Prairie (10005 107 Ave.).

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, December 29, 2018, at 11:00am at St. Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church in Rycroft with Father Matthew Stafki officiating.

Interment to follow at the Old Mission Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to AHS - Central Peace Health Complex – Long Term Care Residence Council (PO Box 339, Spirit River, AB, T0H 3G0).