Obituary of Ruth Ursula Mattheis

May 2, 1934 - Hansen Corners, Alberta

May 10, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

Ruth Mattheis, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 10, 2024, at the age of 90 years.

Ruth was born on May 2, 1934, in Hansen Corners, AB, as the youngest of four children to John and Gertrud Jettkant. She embraced her early years on the family homestead before relocating to Edmonton, AB, where she spent most of her school years. Ruth pursued higher education at the University of Alberta, earning a Bachelor of Arts in 1958. During her time at university, she met her lifelong partner, Edwin Mattheis. They married in November 1958 and soon moved to Calgary.

Ruth was an incredible asset to the companies she and her husband Edwin co-founded. They worked closely through many adventures, from bookkeeping to riding the Ranchlands, rounding up their large herd for brandings, and beyond. Feeling she needed more expertise to be an equal shareholder, Ruth returned to university, graduating from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 1978.

In those twenty years, Ruth became Mom. She shared her love of quilting, gardening, travel, canning, and local fairs with both of her children. Grandmotherhood was the progression, and Ruth enjoyed nothing more than being the best grandma, passing on her passions and life stories to her special little people.

Ruth is survived by two children, Melanie Gay of Cochrane, AB, and Aaron David of Bassano, AB; as well as her three grandchildren, Jeremy, Justin (Ciara), and Shianne; and five great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 64 years, Edwin, her parents, John and Gertrud; sisters, Herta and Elsie; and brother Heinz.

Memorial Services will be held at Lutheran Church of The Cross (10620 Elbow Drive S.W., Calgary, AB) on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. Reception to follow in the Fellowship Room at the Church.

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Ruth's service streamed live (link to follow) on the day of the service.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Wilderness Ranch, PO Box 1804, Claresholm, AB, Telephone: (403) 715-1809, Email: wildernessranch@platinum.ca, wildernessranchalberta.com.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Ruth’s family here.

In living memory of Ruth Mattheis, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.

Click to Watch Ruth Mattheis' Memorial Service