Ruthe Annabelle Arnott

Passed away at Woodstock General Hospital at the age of 90. Predeceased by her beloved husband of 70 years Gordon Arnott (2021) and son, Norman Peter James (1969). Loving mother to Tom Arnott (Donna), Cathy Hill (Gary), Nancy Briglio (Peter), Marylou Jones (Don), Andrea Arnott, Jennifer Willcock (Mark), and Janice Dawson (Chuck). Will be sadly missed by thirteen grandchildren, Nicole, Brett, Sarah, Chris, Andy, Rachel, Allie, Leah, Julia, Max, Abbey, Ian and Ben. Loved by six great grandchildren, Josh, Lucas, Xavien, Anneka, Thomas and Sam.

Daughter of the late Bill and Annie Tucker and predeceased by sister, Jean, and brothers, Bill and Don.

Ruthe was a Woodstock girl, growing up on Light Street. Fun-loving, she enjoyed the theatre, dancing and her family. This city girl turned the head of Gord Arnott aka Paul, a quiet Innerkip boy. They started a 70 year romance, raising their seven children in Innerkip, in a house built by Gord, across the street from Innerkip Central School.

Ruthe started her career as a teller at the Bank of Montreal, then later was secretary at Innerkip Central School, a bookkeeper for Thompson Heating and finished her working career at Meals on Wheels/VON. She wore many hats in both her work and personal life but the one she loved the most was that of MOM.

Ruthe was her seven children’s biggest cheerleader, attending a range of activities from sports—football, basketball, baseball—to dance and piano recitals, school orchestra, band, and 4H. Many days, she drove to Woodstock multiple times to pick up kids at practices, and rehearsals. She never complained about being a “Taxi Driver.” She continued to support the next generations as she cheered her grandkids from the bleachers when she was able.

A people person, Ruthe was welcoming and accepting of everyone. There was always room to squeeze one more in at the dinner table. It was also there, that friends wanting a listening ear came and found refuge. She curated a feeling of community in her home and within the village of Innerkip, taking many meals and baking to the sick, and those grieving a loss. She was a committee member for the 150th Anniversary of Innerkip which she enjoyed immensely.

Ruthe had a strong faith in Jesus and she faithfully attended Innerkip Presbyterian Church after she married Gordon. There, she taught Sunday School and co-led a pre-teen group, Crusaders and Ambassadors. Her love of learning and studying the bible, had her leading a bible study for women right up into her late 80’s. She often spent Sunday afternoons reading and preparing lessons for her studies and Sunday School classes.

Ruthe was a devoted, compassionate, and loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, neighbour and friend who will be missed by everyone who knew her.

Special thanks to the doctors and nurses on the Palliative Care unit at Woodstock General Hospital for their care of Ruthe in her final days.

Guests are invited to join the family for visitation on Friday, March 24, 2023 from 6-8 pm at Brock and Visser Funeral Home (845 Devonshire Ave. 519-539-0004). A funeral service will be held on Saturday March 25th at 11 am at Innerkip Presbyterian Church.  If desired, memorial contributions to Samaritan’s Purse would be appreciated.  Personal condolences may be sent and viewed at www.brockandvisser@rogers.com