Catherine Ruth Short
May 17, 1921 - July 14, 2023
Funeral Details: Celebration of Life will be held at a later date
Ruth Short passed away peacefully on Friday, July 14th in Barrie, Ontario, after recently celebrating her 102nd birthday. Born May 17, 1921, in Picton, Prince Edward County, to Elmira (Myra) Violet Moore and Charles Douglas McCulloch, and younger sister to Beatrice. Ruth’s father was the local doctor and they lived on the Main Street of Wellington, Ontario in a house which is still known as ‘The Doctor’s House’. Sadly, Dr. McCulloch died of meningitis when Ruth was 6 years old, leaving her mother to raise their two young daughters alone. Despite this family tragedy, Myra raised her daughters in a happy environment and Ruth always spoke of her childhood in the County as positive, adventurous and loving. Her stories entertained her grandchildren time and again.
Ruth graduated from Ontario Ladies College, Whitby, and later moved with her mother to Toronto. Throughout the war, Ruth worked for the Canadian Wool Board. Following the war, she worked for the brokerage firm of Cochran Murray.
It was during this time that Ruth met John (Jock) Fraser Short at a dance at the King Edward Hotel in Toronto. They married in 1948 and enjoyed 50 years of marriage until Jock’s death in 1998. Jock’s career took them to several cities throughout their marriage. They began their married life in Winnipeg, followed by Toronto, Montreal, Toronto again, Edmonton, Fort McMurray and Barrie. Ruth viewed each move as an adventure and whole-heartedly embraced meeting new people and becoming involved in the local community. Ruth had a knack for making life-long friends. She was active in the churches she attended as well as being an enthusiastic member of May Court Club of Barrie.
Ruth is survived by her three sons: John Douglas Fraser, (Devika); Robert David, (Sandra); William Kevin, (Joanne). Ruth was the beloved grandmother of four grandchildren and six great grandchildren: Erin Davis, (Clayton), Connor and Alice; Jason Short, (Stephanie), Eva; Alison Martins, (Christopher), Jack and Max; Robyn Weatherseed, (Brian), Quinn. In addition, Ruth was a well-loved aunt of eight nieces and nephews. In particular, Ruth was very close to her niece Carol Holmes, who was so wonderfully supportive to her for the last several years and whose love and support was so appreciated by Ruth’s children.
The family would also like to recognize and thank the wonderful caregivers at Woods Park in Barrie for their exceptional care particularly over the last 14 months.
A reception to celebrate Ruth’s remarkable life is being planned for later this summer.
If so inclined, donations to the Salvation Army in memory of Ruth would be appreciated.
Nick Franco
Posted on: Tuesday, July 18, 2023Heartfelt prayers for a kind soul.🙏
Doug Short
Posted on: Wednesday, July 19, 2023Mum and I both loved this Christian hymn, written in 1931 and we sang it together several times in church. It was set to the traditional Scottish Gaelic tune “Bunessan”. It was a popular song by Cat Stevens on his “Teaser and the Firecat” album (1971).
Morning has broken like the first morning
Blackbird has spoken like the first bird
Praise for the singing, praise for the morning
Praise for them springing fresh from the world
Sweet the rains new fall, sunlit from Heaven
Like the first dewfall on the first grass
Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden
Sprung in completeness where his feet pass
Mine is the sunlight, mine is the morning
Born of the one light, Eden saw play
Praise with elation, praise every morning
God’s recreation of the new day
Morning has broken like the first morning
Blackbird has spoken like the first bird
Praise for the singing, praise for the morning
Praise for them springing fresh from the world
Linda Gatheral
Posted on: Wednesday, July 19, 2023Ruth was the nicest person I ever had the privilege to meet. She was gracious ,kind and lovely. I loved our talks and will always remember her fondly. Rest In Peace.🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🙏
Glenn & Sabita R Singh and family
Posted on: Wednesday, July 19, 2023We first met Ruth (Mom) as she was fondly called when my sister Devika married Doug many years ago Our children affectionately called her grandma Ruth and being the lady that she was she gave them lots of love and time before she had any of her biological grandchildren In their eyes she has always been a special person and will fondly be remembered as making a positive impact in such young impressionable lives and our gratitude for Ruth as (grandma) will fondly be remembered by all I actually loved having any conversation with her for i found her stories and overall history of yesteryears absolutely fascinating and many times i was truly in awe of the wealth of wisdom in her words fond sayings and advice We will truly miss this grand lady named Ruth Short a true matriarch mother to her three sons and daughters in love grandchildren and great grandchildren Ruth was a shining beacon in the Singh family life the last of a legend in our lifetime a true regal lady of all times May her soul rest in everlasting peace for she always yearned to be next to her beloved (Jock) RIP Mom sadly missed never forgotten and lovingly remembered The Singh Family
Carmela Melo
Posted on: Friday, July 21, 2023My condolences for your loss.
Sandra Burns
Posted on: Friday, July 21, 2023I very much enjoyed visiting Ruth and Carol at Wood Park. Hearing her stories of family and the memorabilia that surrounded her. The beautiful needlework that Ruth herself had created. Her Grace and gentle kindness shone through. Ruth very much reminded me of my own aunt with her sense of style and genuine interest in others.
Such a lovely lady.
Sandra Burns
St Andrews Church, Barrie
Devika Short
Posted on: Friday, July 21, 2023You’re Welcome
May I help, what can I do
These are words often said by you
Thank you for your assistance and your offering
We know it is true and genuine
Sit for a while, put up your feet
Soon there’ll be many for you to meet
Listen to some music, read a book
Indulge for a while and have a good look
Tell us some stories, a tale or two
Use a little color, maybe orange and blue
We listen with intent ears and eager faces
To the lives of many with social graces
You’ve helped some and you helped some more
Benefits were many, greater than before
Now it’s your turn Ruth to be served for awhile
By others who wish to, wearing only their smile
Devika Short
2007
Zabrina Scott
Posted on: Friday, July 21, 2023HearingLife would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to all of Ruth’s family especially Carol, who we knew well. Mrs. Short was one extraordinary woman, she was the best dressed lady who came into our office. Her kindness to each of us here in the clinic will always be remembered. We are very sorry for your loss.
Martin & Elen Silver
Posted on: Friday, July 21, 2023Dear Doug and Rob,
Our condolences to you and your family on the loss of your mother. On the few occasions that I met you mother I recall her as being a fine, friendly and kind person. May you only have fond memories of your mom that you will carry with you forever.
Doug Cowdrey Maryann Seefuss
Posted on: Saturday, July 22, 2023Maryann, Patrick, and I send our condolences to you and you family Rob.
Kennedy family
Posted on: Monday, July 24, 2023Kevin and family
We are saddened to hear about the passing if your Mom. Memories will keep her close to your hearts. How fortunate all of you are to have her with you for so long.
The Kennedys