Ruth Lewkowicz, born November 6, 1934, passed away in Grande Prairie after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s on Saturday, October 5, 2024.

Ruth was born in Daysland, AB, and was the second daughter to Jim and Pansy Brown. She grew up in a loving home in rural Alberta. When Ruth was 20, she married Harold “Jock” Polding on August 20, 1954. They were blessed with their son Richard who was born in 1956. Tragically, a few months later Jock contracted a viral lung disease and passed away very suddenly.

Left to support herself and her baby, she took a job at the hospital in Lillooet, B.C. With the support of her parents, she began studying to become a nurse’s aide. She continued to work, as a nurse’s aide, until she married on July 8, 1959 to Walter Lewkowicz. Walter had a farm in Beaverlodge, AB, where Ruth and Walter began their new life together. She was very grateful that Walter accepted Richard as his son. Ruth transitioned from urban life to farm life, sharing in some interesting experiences as she worked alongside Walter on the farm.

They had two children together, Carrie (Langstroth) born in 1961 and Ronald in 1964.

Although there were some lean years on the farm, with the large garden that they grew and the farm animals there were always amazing meals at their home. Ruth loved to cook and entertain family and friends. Everyone who came to visit left with both a full belly and a full heart. Ruth was an accomplished seamstress and enjoyed knitting and crocheting.

As Ruth’s children grew up, she pursued her passion for art. Many of her paintings grace the walls of family and friends. She volunteered at the Beaverlodge Art and Culture Centre and had her own independent show.

Her belief in Jehovah God never wavered and anyone who knew her can attest to her Christian charity.

Ruth is survived by her children; Richard and Audrey Polding, Carrie Langstroth and Jim Sheeran and Ron Lewkowicz and Suzan Purdy.

She was predeceased by her brother Robert Brown, her parents Jim and Pansy Brown, her husband Walter and her sister Joyce Brown.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Prairie Lake for their incredible loving care that our mother received.

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Oliver’s Funeral Home (10005 - 107 Ave). A luncheon will follow the service at Oliver’s Funeral Home.