Obituary of Ruby Mae Apthorp

APTHORP, Ruby Mae. On the evening of December 8th, while surrounded by family, Ruby peacefully went home to be with her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We who are left mourn her loss but rejoice in the fact that she has been reunited with the love of her life and husband of 67 years, Lloyd George Apthorp, who predeceased her in June of this year. Ruby was born in Zone Township 88 years ago to the late Nathan and Tillie (Ackert) Bebington, where she lived until moving to Chatham. Survived by children Marlene (Don) Gordon of Irwin, Ohio, Kathy Eldridge of Chatham and Al (Loretta) Apthorp of Calgary, Alberta. Chosen mother of Tim Steele of Whitecourt, AB., Nolan (Leora) Ripley of Ottawa and Phyllis Payne of Chatham. Devoted grandmother of 13, great grandmother of 27 and great great grandmother of 3. Ruby is the last surviving member of her immediate family, having been predeceased by sister, Bernice Cook and brothers Charlie and Nathan Bebington. Also predeceased by granddaughter Jamie Gordon and great granddaughters Rosemary Gordon and Serenity Eldridge. Lovingly remembered by special nieces Wendy and Pat Apthorp and nephews Danny (Nettie) Apthorp and Ken (Vicky) Apthorp. Ruby influenced many lives and she considered it a privilege to be called grandma by many people of all ages. Ruby will be best remembered for her generosity and giving of herself to family and strangers alike. This was exemplified through her tireless efforts in foster parenting with Lloyd for over 25 years, teaching Sunday school for over 40 years, and various other volunteer activities. Ruby was a member of Evangel Community Church as well as an active member of Gideon Bible Society. Ruby was a true prayer warrior and continued this ministry in recent months, while residing at Meadowpark Nursing Home where she was never too busy to stop and offer a prayer or word of encouragement for staff and residents. Her spunk and quick wit will never be forgotten. Friends and family are invited to pay their respects Friday December 12 from 1-4 pm and 7-9 pm at the Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair St, Chatham. Funeral services will be held at Evangel Community Church on Saturday December 13 at 1:30 pm with Reverend Bill Pipke officiating. Interment at Pardoville-Union Cemetery. Donations in memory of Ruby to Gideon Bible Society or Refuge Pregnancy Centre would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com McKinlay Funeral Home 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham 519-351-2040 Ruby Apthorp from McKinlay Funeral Homes Ltd. on Vimeo.