Obituary of Ruth Aiken

February 18, 1929 – Bredenbury, Saskatchewan

October 9, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta

It is with sadness that the family of Ruth Amelia Aiken (nee Leichert) announce her passing on Sunday, October 9, 2022, in Calgary, AB at the age of 93 years.

Ruth was born in Bredenbury, SK on February 18, 1929, to Edward and Molly Leichert. She attended Kensington Lake School until the 8th grade and then worked on the family farm. In 1949, she moved to Winnipeg, MB to study hairdressing at Eaton’s.

It was here she met Robert (Bob/Lee) Aiken. They married in 1953. Mom and Dad lived in many places including Vancouver, Yorkton, and Esterhazy and finally settled in Vernon, BC.

They purchased the Tri-way Centre in 1970. Tri-way was initially a restaurant, but they remodelled and created a garage, corner store and gas station. Tri-way Food & Gas was located on Okanagan Landing Road. They remained in the business until retirement in 1990.

Operating a business that was open seven days a week left little time for leisure, but Mom enjoyed many family gatherings and occasionally a good book. Mom also had a lovely singing voice. She was a gentle, kind, and good-hearted person.

In 2010, due to poor health, they moved to Calgary, AB to be closer to family.

Mom is survived by her children, Kathy (Paul), Stephen (Denise) and Jennifer (Luis); eight grandchildren, Shaun, Michael, Christopher, Mark, Brendan, Patrick, Kristina, and Alexandra; and eight great-grandchildren, Byron, Josephine, Harper, Hana, Besa, Aspen, Hunter, and Fischer.

She was predeceased by her husband Bob, her daughter Carol, parents, Edward and Molly; siblings, Florence, Reinhold, and Walter; and great-granddaughter Evelyn.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Dina Radinskaia and Dr. Sandra Albuquerque for their compassionate care. We would also like to thank the staff at the Wentworth Manor Care Centre.

Interment will occur at a later date in Vernon, BC, anyone interested in more information is invited to contact the family.

“Mothers hold their children’s hands for a while, but their hearts forever.”

Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Ruth Aiken, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.