Ruth Grande, 88, of Red Deer County, passed away on Good Friday, April 7, 2023, in Red Deer Hospice, after a brief and courageous battle with cancer.

Ruth was born in Morecambe, Alberta in 1934, the eleventh of thirteen children, to Frozina (née Grekul) and William Lakusta. In 1956 Ruth became an MDN at Michener Center, then two years later she married the father of her three children Erich Grande.  She worked at Michener Center until her retirement in 1989.  In retirement, Ruth and her beloved partner Louis Victor enjoyed travel, dancing, golf, and social events, as they became Snowbirds who travelled to Arizona in the winters and enjoyed their carefree life in an over-40 retirement community.

Among her many gifts, she was a devoted mother and grandmother; a passionate book-club member; a Red Deer College volunteer at musical, film, and theatre events; a choir member and talented pianist; a gifted gardener; a lover of hiking, tennis, golf, and baseball.

Ruth was a beautiful, smart, principled, and caring woman, a great mentor for how to live a simple life. She was always welcoming to friends and family. She loved music, laughter, and noble human achievements. She will live on in the hearts of all who knew her and held her dear. “When I am gone,” she said recently, “I hope you won’t cry for me; I had a wonderful life.”

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude for the wonderful care provided by the nurses, caregivers, volunteers, and doctors at Red Deer Hospice—which Ruth called the “miracle” that lightened her final days.

Ruth will be greatly missed by her three children: René (Laurie), Troni (Garry), and Conrad (Brenda); her seven grandchildren (in order of birth): Matthew, Allison, Alannah, Byron, Marty, Jett, and Elliot; her sister Kathy; and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Ruth’s first great grandchild is due to be born soon, on what would have been her 89th birthday.

Ruth was predeceased by her partner Louis Victor; her mother Frozina and father William; and eleven of her siblings: Mary, Michael, John, Victor, Alexander, Sylvester, Zanovia, Onesim, Victoria, Wasylko, and Nestor.

A memorial service to celebrate Ruth’s life will be held at Sunnybrook United Church in Red Deer on Wednesday, April 26 at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Red Deer Hospice Society in Ruth’s memory. Condolences to Ruth’s family may be emailed to meaningful@telus.net. Please indicate “Grande” in the subject line.

Arrangements in care of

Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service

A locally owned cremation and funeral provider

serving Red Deer and all of Central Alberta

587-876-4944

• Date : 2023-04-17
• Location : Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service