With profound sadness we announce the death of Mrs. Ruth Anita Petryshyn of Whitby, age 83. She passed away suddenly Tuesday afternoon March 5, 2019, after suffering a heart attack in the early hours Monday morning.
Ruth was born on February 5, 1936 to Keith Hamilton Etcher and Nellie Grace Alice Dalby. Her early life was shaped by World War II and the rations and war effort that were going on at the time. She spent her days gathering newspapers with her siblings and filling her book with stamps to support the war effort. When she was still young, her family was taught the gospel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and when she was 9 years old she was baptized along with the other members of her family. She has been dedicated to her faith ever since. Ruth always worked hard, even from an early age to support herself and her family.
When Ruth was 18 she met her sweetheart, Louis Petryshyn at a dance in Essex. She was such a beauty he couldn't take his eyes off her. They were married on July 7, 1956, just 3 months after her graduation from Teacher's College. Together they raised 3 wonderful children. Ruth was a devoted mother, making countless sacrifices for her children as they grew up. Her 31 year long career was spent teaching the elementary grades of school, and helping to shape those young lives into the people who they would become. Ruth was an accomplished bowler, winning many awards over the years, as well as an avid scrabble player for as long as her failing eyesight allowed.
Ruth leaves a legacy of love, dedication, and commitment to her family, her faith, and the countless students that she has taught over the years. She has been a wonderful example of pursuing your goals, working hard, and continuing with strength and faith in the face of trials and health difficulties. She will be greatly missed, and was loved by all around her.
She is survived by her husband Lou, her daughter Louise Evenson (Ray), son Fred (Rosemary), and daughter Lee-Ann Luke (David) along with 24 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind a brother, Ken Etcher. She was preceded in death by her parents Keith and Nellie, her brothers Fred and Ronnie, and sisters Shirley, and Muriel.

Funeral services will be held Saturday March 16, 2019 at 11:00am., at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 632 Thornton Rd N, Oshawa.
A viewing will also be held at the Church on Friday, March 15th from 7-8:30 pm., and again on Saturday morning from 9:30-10:30am. prior to the funeral.