PIHOWICH, Ruth Ellen (SALLEE)
July 12,1926 - April 26, 2021
After a full and vibrant life, Ruth Pihowich of Barrhead, passed away on April 26, 2021. Her age was 94, but her spirit was eternally young.
Born and raised on the farm at Highridge, Ruth was blessed with a loving family and happy childhood. She attended high school in Barrhead, and her first summer job was picking fruit in the blistering heat in Osoyoos, B.C. In 1943, Ruth joined the war effort, working as a cafeteria cashier at the Commonwealth pilot training base on Kingsway Avenue in Edmonton. In 1945, when the war ended, Ruth returned to Barrhead. Her eye for fashion led her to a 52 year sales career at Holmberg’s Ladies Wear. The Holmberg’s became like family to Ruth.
In 1950, Ruth married Paul Pihowich, and became the biggest supporter of his hockey and baseball pursuits. Ruth’s sporting interests included curling and skiing in the winter, and for over 20 years, she chaperoned and mentored beginner skiers on the annual grade 9 ski trip to Jasper. As she stood at the top of the Paradise Run at Marmot Basin, she often commented that this might be the closest to heaven she would ever get!
In the summer, Ruth loved hosting family and friends at her Thunder Lake cabin. She was a sharp cribbage player, always up for a challenge, preferably at two
cents a hole and double for skunks!
Travel was one of Ruth’s passions and she had countless adventures in a multitude of destinations across five continents. Las Vegas was one her favourite places, where she was a master at Black Jack, remembered year after year, by dealers at her favourite casinos. She rarely met a slot machine that didn’t pay out. Ruth felt privileged to explore the world with many dear friends, including Lucille Ruhl, Alice Holmberg, Kay Schultz Cyr, Evelyn and Arnold Sveen, Hazel and Don Dabbs, Bill and Johanne Sallee, Lorraine Manz and Marion Trithart , to name a few. Many family trips were enjoyed by Nana with Judy, Stan, Blair, Dean and her niece Renee.
Over the years, Ruth became a shining presence in the Barrhead community. An active member of St. Mary Abbots Anglican church, Ruth served the parish and diocese in many capacities. She was a tireless volunteer for many local organizations, most recently Victim Services and the Barrhead Public Library. In 2005, in recognition of her devoted service to the town, Ruth was named Volunteer of the Year.
A woman of indomitable spirit, Ruth lived and loved every day to the fullest and never lost her quick wit and sense of humour. She was so grateful for fabulous friends, neighbours, and family who truly enriched her life, as she did ours.
Ruth is survived by her daughter, Judy Read (Stan); grandchildren, Blair Read (Marjorie), Dean Read and Sherry Hauck (Chris); great grandchildren, Alex Read, Celeste Ruth Read, and Brett Hauck; brother, Bill Sallee (Johanne);niece, Renee Giammarioli (Philip), Dante and Lorenzo. Ruth will also be dearly missed by her bonus family, Denise Pihowich and Teresa, Tim and Jennifer Kristel.
Ruth is predeceased by her husband, Paul, her parents Florice and Bill Sallee, her brothers, Ken and Forrest, and many dear friends and relatives.
The family would like to thank Dr. Kent Bernes and the staff at Keir Care Centre, Hillcrest Lodge, and Klondike Place for their compassionate care.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Memorial tributes are gratefully accepted to Manola Cemetery, c/o Karri Degner, 2214 Hwy 654, County of Barrhead, T7N 0L9, STARS, or charity of your choice.
Expressions of sympathy and condolences may be left at RoseGardenChapel.com.
Condolence cards may be mailed to Rose Garden Chapel, Box 4119, Barrhead, AB T7N 1A1
Rose Garden Chapel
780-674-4644
