Ruth Eggen (Brown)

1936 – 2026

Ruth Eggen passed away surrounded by those who cared for her, on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 6:05 p.m. in the Lacombe Hospital and Care Centre at the age of 89 years.

Ruth was born on October 25, 1936 in Alsask, Saskatchewan. She was the daughter of Helena “Nellie” Hurley and Sandford Timothy Brown and spent the majority of her life calling Alberta home. Ruth raised her three daughters; Wanda, Wendy, and Sherri, on the farm near Caroline, Alberta, teaching them to love and respect the land, plants, and animals from an early age. All 4 women shared a mutual appreciation for the mountains, with Ruth saying she wished to be as free amongst them in death as she had felt being there in her life.

After her children all grew older and left the farm, Ruth settled into city life, relocating to Red Deer, Alberta, where she spent much of her later years. She was still known for prioritizing being out in nature, as she could often be found spending time in the city parks or walking the trail system. Ruth especially doted on her grandchildren, cherishing the joy they brought to her life, often having them over for ‘sleepovers’ on the weekends, where she would give up her bed and even sleep on the couch so the grandkids could be more comfortable. It was also a years-long tradition for her to go to the local Farmers’ Market every week and share a bag of cinnamon sugar mini donuts and some fresh cherries with her grandchildren.

Ruth travelled to Alaska, Hawaii, Montana, and British Columbia during her life, naming the 2007 cruise she took to Alaska; watching whales, panning for gold, and watching the stunning scenery through the cabin porthole, with her youngest daughter Sherri and her granddaughter Alexis, as one of her favourite lifetime memories.

Ruth was renowned for hosting Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings for all of her extended family. She was a fabulous cook, making legendary peanut butter cookies, sawdust salad (her secret recipe), a unique layered Jello recipe served in fancy wine glasses, homemade gravy no one in the family has been able to replicate, and the best stuffing.

She was a talented cribbage player, was filled with laughter and joy watching cartoons alongside her grandchildren and enjoyed paper scrapbooking. She loved tigers, the color yellow, and nature documentaries. Ruth’s favourite holiday was Halloween, and she decorated her porch every year with large inflatable pumpkins, ghosts, and other spooky decor. In addition, she took incredible care of her companion goldfish, Sami, who lived well over 10 very comfortable years. Sami was her very best friend.

Ruth was also known for caring for the beautiful garden that wrapped around her entire apartment building for decades. She grew everything from green onions (which she loved to dip in salt), to cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers. Her garden was also filled to the brim with nearly every kind of flower one could dream of some even growing so large as to begin covering parts of the pathway. Lillies, lady slippers, bluebells, orchids, and tulips were her staples. After moving to Lacombe, Alberta in the final years of her life, Ruth continued to help out in the gardening program as often as she could.

In her later years, during her battle with Alzheimer’s Disease and additional health challenges, Ruth received care from her cherished granddaughter Alexis, her daughter Sherri, and many kind staff members from Lacombe Continuing Care. The family extends their gratitude to all of those who cared for Ruth at the end of her life.

Ruth will be lovingly remembered by her devoted granddaughter and caregiver, Alexis Holmgren; grandson Austin Holmgren; daughter Wendy Eggen; grandson Austin Simmonds; and several great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by 2 of her daughters, Sherri Lynne and Wanda Ellestad; both of her parents, Helena Hurley and Sandford Brown; all 3 of her brothers, Allan, Larry, and Lloyd; and grandson Robert.

If desired, Memorial Donations in Ruth’s honour may be made directly to Alzheimer Society of Canada at https://alzheimer.ca/.

Cremation has been entrusted to Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, Red Deer, Alberta. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com

Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium (Red Deer)

ONLY LOCALLY FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED FUNERAL HOME/CREMATORIUM

IN THE CITY OF RED DEER

“Caring Community Compassion Since 1999”

6287 – 67A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.

• Date : 2026-04-04
• Location : Parkland Funeral Home (Red Deer) www.parklandfuneralhome.com 403.340.4040