It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Ruth Jane Ellingson (nee Fletcher) at the age of 80 on Thursday, May 28, 2026.

Born in Brisbane, Ruth lived an adventurous life, growing up in Australia and Port Moresby, New Guinea before she moved to Canada to continue her career as a teacher in Telkwa, BC. It’s in nearby Smithers she met her future husband, Jim Ellingson, and then moved to Cranbrook, BC to continue as a Teacher Librarian at both Gordon Terrace and Amy Woodland Elementary.

Ruth enjoyed all the Kootenays had to offer, she loved to ski and hike as well as geocache. She was an avid gardener and quilter, making quilts for many generations of family and friends around the world.

She is predeceased by her husband James “Jim” Ellingson (2016), father Walter “Len” and mother Ruby. She is survived by her sons Neil (Yum) and John, brothers Ian Fletcher (Newcastle, Australia) and John Fletcher (Kandos, Australia) as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family would like to thank all the staff at the Pines in Kimberley and Joseph Creek in Cranbrook for the extraordinary care Mom received over the past few years.

A Service will be held at McPherson Funeral home in Cranbrook, Saturday June 27 at 1 PM. The service will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person at the following link : https://www.hdezwebcast.com/show/ruth-ellingson-service

Those wishing to make a memorial donation in honour of Ruth may do so to the Alzheimer Society of Canada.

mcphersonfh.com