Obituary of Ruth Elizabeth Calyn

Calyn, Ruth (nee Erkila)

A resident of Chatham, Ruth Calyn (nee Erkila) passed away with her family by her side on Friday, December 9, 2022 at Riverview Gardens Nursing Home at the age of 83. She has gone home to be with Jesus.

She was the daughter of the late Karl & Signe (nee Makela) Erkila.

Married on July 9, 1960, Ruth is reunited with her late husband of 58 years, Michael Calyn (2019). 

Devoted mother of Kathy Perry (Paul) of Chatham, and David Calyn of North Carolina.

Grandmother of Jonathan Perry, Heather Menzies (Tom), Lucas Perry & Curtis Perry.

Remembered by her sister, Linda Reid (Randy), & her brother, Roy Erkila (Shirley). 

Predeceased by her brother, Allan Erkila (2022). 

Missed by many nieces & nephews. 

First and foremost, Ruth loved the Lord. Ruth was very generous - opening her door open to anyone who needed it, kind-hearted, donated to many charities and would spend time visiting those who were unwell. She was a very social & jovial person with a good sense of humor.  She was an active member at the churches in Sudbury, London & Chatham and was a former President of the Women's Ministries (WM), and the various choirs. Ruth retired from the Chatham Board of Education as a Secretary for many years. Her first position was a Secretary for the Department of Highways in Sudbury. Ruth enjoyed shopping, playing card games, dominoes, sewing, cooking and entertaining family & friends. She enjoyed traveling to Florida in the winter and Manitoulin Island in the summer, all over the United States & Canada, various cruises and overseas with her husband Mike. She was very tech savvy, often emailing friends who were far away and staying up to date on Facebook. She enjoyed doing the announcements of the weather & birthdays at Riverview Gardens, making personalized cards for her friends, family, coworkers, residents & resident workers of Riverview Gardens and the Chatham Retirement Resort. Ruth was very active in her family's lives and was a huge supporter of her children & grandchildren. Family was very important to her. 

The family would like to extend a sincere appreciation to the Nurses & PSW of 2 West at Riverview Gardens for their care and support of Ruth. 

Family to receive friends at Evangel Community Church, 79 Sandys Street, Chatham on Tuesday, December 13, 2022 from 9:00 am until the Service time at 11:00 am. Cremation to follow with interment on Manitoulin Island. 

FUNERAL SERVICE LIVESTREAM

In memory of Ruth, donations may be made to the Gideon International of Canada Charitable Fund. 

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com. 

McKinlay Funeral Home
459 St. Clair Street, 
Chatham
519 351 2040