Funeral For: Ruth Duester
Funeral Date: July 11, 2025
Ruth Duester, 86, of Winnipeg formerly of Poland, passed away Saturday, July 5th at Riverview Health Centre. She is survived by her husband Erwin, 5 children, 10 grandchildren, 1 sister, 2 sisters-in-law and their families. She was predeceased by 2 sisters, 1 brother and 1 brother-in-law.
The funeral service for Ruth Duester will be held Friday, July 11th at 11am at North Kildonan Mennonite Brethren Church, 1315 Gateway Road, with burial at Glen Eden Cemetery in West St. Paul.
Viewing will be at the church prior to the service.
Donations may be made to Union Gospel Mission or Square One Media.
Arrangements by Friends Funeral Service, Winnipeg.
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Ruth Duester (née Rossol), on Saturday July 5th, 2025 at Riverview Health Centre.
Ruth is lovingly remembered and greatly missed by her husband of 60 years, Erwin; children, Waldy (Maureen), Dieter (Rose), Heidi, Chris (Elisha), Annelie (Miguel); beloved grandchildren, Evan and Holly; Connor, Curtis (Arianna), and Victoria; Jakob, Leah, and Elijah; Aleksa and Kaeleigh. She is also survived by her sister Hildegard; sisters-in-law Eileen and Anna (Franz); and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Ruth was predeceased by her parents, parents-in-law, sister Else (Helmut), sister Irma (John), brother Reinhold, and brother-in-law Walter.
Ruth was born on October 13th, 1938, in what was then, Rybit-Kokoszky (near Plonsk), Poland to Christian and Maria Rossol. She was one of 10 children, 5 of whom passed away in infancy. She lived with her family on the family farm until the Russian invasion of the region in early 1945, at which time her parents and two oldest sisters were taken to a labour camp. Ruth and her younger siblings: Hildegard and Reinhold, along with their grandmother, remained at the family farm – which was now claimed by strangers. After her grandmother passed away in 1945, Ruth became an orphan in the home she grew up in. She was neglected and almost starved to death. In the spring of 1946, Ruth was rescued by a compassionate nearby farmer, looking for a farmhand. He had pity on her, took her in and nursed her back to health. She spent 4 years with her new foster family. In the spring of 1950, through the search efforts of her oldest sister, the Red Cross Society had found her. She was now on her way to Germany to join her oldest sister. Ruth spent 3 years at a refugee camp in Backnang, Germany. She immigrated to Canada in the spring of 1953 and lived in Morden, Manitoba. A much more settled chapter of her life was now beginning.
1954 was a significant year for Ruth. She was introduced to her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, was baptized and began her walk with Him. Her relationship and walk with the LORD would become a core part of Ruth’s identity throughout her life.
She attended school in Winkler and achieved her high school diploma in 1959. Ruth was intelligent and had drive and tenacity. She continued with her education, taking one year of Bible School and then, inspired by working in an x-ray clinic, she proceeded to study and train to become a lab technologist in 1961.
She met the love of her life, Erwin Duester in the summer of 1964. They were married on July 10th, 1965 and welcomed their twin sons two years later. Ruth put her career “on hold" while the family grew to include three more children over the next eight years. As her children matured she decided to return to school in 1987 to refresh her lab technology credentials. She embarked on a 26 year tenure in the field, working at various clinics and hospitals, with her longest term and most enjoyable years at Stonewall Hospital.
Ruth enjoyed many years at the family cottage located on Brereton Lake. Those times were made extra special because two of her sisters had cabins right next door. Ruth and her husband Erwin, loved to travel, encompassing many road trips with their family across Canada and the Northern US. As a couple there were international trips to Paraguay, South Korea, Germany, Poland and Hawaii along with many domestic trips to Canadian and various US locations.
Ruth loved fiercely. She was extremely proud of her grandchildren, and they gave her great joy. There were countless hours of playing Mexican Train, babysitting, reading to them, attending their birthday parties, watching their sporting events, music concerts and attending their special occasions.
Ruth suffered a health setback in early 2020 and struggled for the remaining time with various issues. Through it all she remained steadfast, determined and courageous, knowing that the LORD her God was walking with her. All her life, she was a lively, determined and feisty lady. Relationships were very important to her, and she pursued them with priority. Ruth will be greatly missed.
Many thanks to extended family and friends for their support especially to Ruth’s sister Hildegard for her unwavering encouragement and care over the last few years, helping her at home, and even providing her with Borscht right up till her last days. Thanks to Dr. Choy for his patient, professional support. Much gratitude is extended to the staff at Riverview Health Centre Palliative Care in 3 East for the compassion and care they showed Ruth while she was there.
The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 11th, 2025, at North Kildonan MB Church, 1315 Gateway Road, Winnipeg, with viewing at 10:00 a.m. Reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Union Gospel Mission or Square One Media.
The service will be livestreamed, check http://www.friendsfs.ca for link.