Born of Norwegian immigrant parents in Rosthern, Saskatchewan, Ommund and Gunhilde Rostrup, Ruth grew up the third of four children in small towns in Saskatchewan and Alberta as her father was a manager for the Bank of Montreal. She graduated from Carstairs High School, Carstairs, Alberta, then attended Normal School in Calgary to become a teacher. Ruth began her teaching career at the age of 19 in a one-room rural prairie school grades 1-9. After one year of teaching she went on to further her education at the University of Alberta attaining a degree in Home Economics. After graduation Ruth returned to Carstairs and married Delbert Beckner, May 12th, 1943, where they raised their three children. Ruth was an educator, leader, and organizer, engaged in community events and organizations for many years in Carstairs, including the United Church, Eastern Star, plus substitute teaching. In 1967, Delbert and Ruth moved to Victoria, B.C., where Ruth taught Home Economics at S.J. Willis and Oak Bay Junior High Schools. She was highly thought of by her students.
Ruth’s involvements in Victoria were many: University Women’s Club, Embroidery Guild, Weavers’ Guild, Pi Phi Alumnae. Primary in her life, however, was her family,
Predeceased by her loving husband of 66 years, Delbert, and her siblings Ole(Alberta) Rostrup, Gunnar (Muriel) Rostrup, and Dorothy (Don) McDonald. Lovingly remembered by her children Jim (Marcia), Kathleen, and Don (Janine); grandsons Kevin(Suzy), Michael (Pauline), Luke (Laura), and Dustin; great grandchildren Dane, Maggie, Owen, Max, Will, and Ocean; plus by many nephews and nieces in B.C., Alberta, Ontario, and relatives in Norway.
On her 95th birthday Ruth made the move to Salmon Arm, taking up residence at the Good Samaritan Hillside Village, for her ?nal 3 1/2 years. She always expressed appreciation for the excellent care. The family would like to thank the many care aides, and medical and support staff at Hillside. Special thanks to Dr. James Levins for his attention to Ruth.
There will be a memorial service for Ruth at St. Aidan’s United Church in Victoria at a later date, where she will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Delbert.
Online condolences may forwarded to the family through Ruth’s obituary at www.bowersfuernalservice.com