Obituary of Ruth Sykes

SYKES: Ruth Eleanor. A resident of R.R. # 2 Merlin, Ruth Sykes died suddenly at London Health Sciences Centre-Victoria Campus on Wednesday, May 20, 2009 at the age of 79. Born on June 8, 1929, daughter of the late Rebecca Laura (Gray) and George Russell Hall. Beloved wife of Ernest Sykes for 57 years. Loving mother of Susan and her husband David Baker of Shrewsbury, Connie Sykes of Tompkins, Saskatchewan, and Chuck Sykes and his wife Lisa of R.R. # 2 Merlin. Fondly remembered by 6 grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and 6 step-great grandchildren. Dear sister of Mildred Plank of London, and sister-in-law of Evelyn Broadbent of Merlin. Predeceased by her sister Shirley Roe, and brothers-in-law Robert Roe, Jim Plank, and Blake Broadbent. Daughter-in-law of the late Arthur and Dorothy Sykes. Ruth was a longtime member of St. Luke’s United Church. She was an avid gardener and talented craftsperson in the fields of stained glass, sewing, and quilting. She was generous with her time and talents, and many of her works grace the walls of her own, and several other churches. Family will receive friends at the McKinlay Funeral Home, 141 Park Street, Blenheim on Friday 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 7:00-9:00 p.m. Funeral Service at the Funeral Home on Saturday May 23, 2009 at 1:30 p.m. with Pastor Eric Skillings officiating. Interment in Pardoville-Union Cemetery, Raleigh Township. Donations in memory of Ruth to St. Luke’s United Church or Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by her family. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com. McKinlay Funeral Home, 141 Park Street, Blenheim, Ontario (519)676-3451.