Obituary of Ruth Sanden

April 6, 1923 – Parrsboro, Nova Scotia

April 5, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta

Ruth Sanden beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away on Tuesday, April 5, 2022 at the age of 98 years.

Ruth was one of seven children born to Hilbert and Maude Lank in Parrsboro, Nova Scotia. After finishing high school, she joined the Air force and was eventually stationed in Victoria BC where she met the love of her life, Irving Sanden (known as Sandy). They were married in 1944 and moved to Alberta where Irving grew up. They had five children, Carol, Greg (Linda), Deb (Darrell), Doug and Vicki (Richard).

In 1994 Ruth moved to Airdrie where she was active in the Woodside Seniors group and very much enjoyed the camaraderie of her neighbors. She involved herself in the Bridge club, potlucks, field trips to casinos and the mountains. As she aged and she slowed down, she accepted help from her family to support her continued residence in her home.

Doug came to live with her and was her devoted companion and caregiver for many years until she passed. There was no issue too insurmountable for him to solve, from cook to personal assistant and inventor of gadgets to make her life comfortable and enjoyable. The family is eternally grateful to him for his love and care.

Ruth is survived by all of her five children, eleven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren. She also is survived by many nieces and nephews in the Sanden family and three nephews in the Lank family. Ruth was predeceased by all of her siblings, Clair, Edward, June, Helen, Kay and Evie. She was also predeceased by her husband in 1989, and her great-grandchild Amanda.

We would like to thank everyone who cared for her during her last week at the Foothills Hospital in Unit 62. She commented how thankful she was for their wonderful care. Donations may be made to the Foothills Medical Centre in her memory.

The family are planning a private gathering to celebrate her amazing life. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Ruth Sanden, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Airdrie, 300 Towerlane Drive, Airdrie, AB T4B 3L8, Telephone: 403-948-1100.