LEITCH, Ruth Ellen

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Peacefully, on Thursday, 1 October 2026, at North Lambton Lodge, Forest, Ruth Ellen Leitch (née Foster) passed away at the age of 96. Reunited with her beloved husband, Donald Edwin Leitch (2013), with whom she shared 59 beautiful years of marriage. Cherished mother of Donald Neil Leitch (Gail McHardy-Leitch) and Jeananne (Steven) Thomas. Much loved grandmother of Ailsa Leitch; and Anika and Aislinn Thomas. Loving sister of Marion Fern Fraser and Marjorie Gertrude Rhodes. Ruth Ellen was predeceased by her parents, William Neil Foster and Fern Gertrude Foster (née Hornick) and her sisters.

Ruth Ellen was born on the family farm in Tilbury East Township, Kent County, Ontario. She was deeply rooted in the Valetta and Tilbury communities where she attended church and school. On the family farm, Ruth Ellen grew to love the sheep they raised and the beekeeping of her father and grandfather. On weekend afternoons, the family often combined a country drive with delivering honey to customers.

Upon her marriage to Edwin, they moved to Sarnia. Ruth was a pioneering female in the workplace. She initially worked for the Canadian Bank of Commerce, however most of her career, over twenty-eight years, was with Union Gas.

Ruth Ellen treasured the home that she and Edwin built on Forest Drive in the former Sarnia Township. For about sixty years, this house became a foundation for raising a family and special gatherings as the family expanded with partners and grandchildren. Throughout her life, Ruth Ellen was focused on family. She enjoyed tending her garden and creative activities such as ceramics and decorating her home for every season.

Ruth Ellen was a long-time member of St. Giles Presbyterian Church where she regularly attended services and actively participated in the life of the church. She had a meaningful impact on those around her with small acts of care and kindness.

In her later years, Ruth Ellen transitioned to living at North Lambton Lodge where she became part of the Pine neighbourhood “family”. The support and loving care that she received from the staff, volunteers and residents of the Lodge is greatly appreciated.

Family and friends will be received at Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia, on Monday, 5 October 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held at Smith Funeral Home on Tuesday, 6 October 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Kilmartin Cemetery, Glencoe, where Ruth will join Edwin.

Sympathy may be expressed through donations to The Lodge Auxiliary, supporting North Lambton Lodge https://www.lambtoncares.ca/donate/ (cheques only at the funeral home please). Arrangements entrusted to Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia.

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