Obituary for Ruth Madlyn Mitchell (Williams)
Ruth Madlyn Mitchell (Williams) – November 26, 1927—May 11, 2021
At the H. J. McFarland Memorial Home on Tuesday, May 11, 2021. Predeceased by her loving parents Roy & Annie Williams and her only sibling, Gladys Jarvis, and her husband Charles (Pat) Mitchell. Ruth is the loving mother of Neil (Connie) Fennell of Perth, Lynn Fennell (Bonnie Saveall) and Carol (Mark) Woodward of Picton. Much loved Nana Ruth to Emily Fennell-Taylor, Hilary Fennell, Melissa Hyde, Ryan Woodward and Jocelyn Petherick. Great Nana Ruth to Piper Platt, Haimish Hunter, Spencer & Charlie Hyde and Griffin & Tucker Petherick.
During her childhood years Ruth developed a lifetime love of animals with her first fur friend being a horse she named Molly. Ruth’s heart was always fullest when she could share love with her many pets, which included various breeds of dogs, cats, guinea pigs, rabbits, budgie birds and very likely other creatures in her travels along the way. Ruth married Harold Fennell at the age of eighteen and together they had three children. Her love of family was natural and kept her close to home during the early years. Her days were spent preparing delicious meals that were bountiful and she welcomed many others regularly to join her family dinner table. Baking pies, tarts, cakes and canning preserves were regular routines. Ruth was an active member of the Picton United Church, participating in the Mother’s Auxiliary; playing piano for Sunday School; a member of the first bell choir and a willing helper always. As the years moved on and her family had grown Ruth sought more independence. She decided it was time to get her driver’s license and secure some wheels of her own, and she was extremely proud when she achieved both. Ruth ventured out into the work world and after several years of working as a counsellor assistant at Prince Edward Heights she undertook to enroll at Loyalist College and completed with honours the DSW program. Ruth remarried in 1981 to Charles (Pat) Mitchell. During their time together they travelled multiple times to Mexico, and in particular Puerto Vallarta, initially staying within the tourist resorts and then venturing to live within the mountain areas to enjoy the real beauty and customs of the Mexican people. Mom’s outgoing personality and her desire for adventure made it easy for her to bond with the Mexican people and she shared many wonderful relationships throughout these travels. She equally enjoyed her summer trailer days at Green Point, Naylor’s campground. Here she spent many happy days in her rustic built-on trailer, hosting many family barbeques and entertaining her grandchildren swimming, fishing and simply enjoying the great outdoors.
In later years Ruth’s health declined and resulted in her move to the H.J. McFarland Home. She took this move in stride and was always an active participant in activities, made multiple friends and ensured the cook was frequently complimented and keenly aware of her love of chicken. She shared her life with many loving staff over the years and we know they were a key component to her longevity.
Rest easy Mom after a life so very well lived. We will love you forever.
“Life is but a stopping place, a pause in what’s to be; a resting place along the road, to sweet eternity. We all have different journeys, different paths along the way, we all were meant to learn some things, but never meant to stay. Our destination is a place, far greater than we know, for some the journeys quicker, for some the journeys slow. When the journey finally ends, we’ll make a great step forward, and find an everlasting peace, as our special reward.”
Cremation has taken place with a private interment at Cherry Valley cemetery. If desired, donations in Ruth’s memory can be made to the Loyalist Humane Society or the Resident Family Council of H. J. McFarland Memorial Home. The family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation and gratitude to all employees of the H. J. McFarland Home for their many years of care and dedication in support of our mother.
At the H. J. McFarland Memorial Home on Tuesday, May 11, 2021. Predeceased by her loving parents Roy & Annie Williams and her only sibling, Gladys Jarvis, and her husband Charles (Pat) Mitchell. Ruth is the loving mother of Neil (Connie) Fennell of Perth, Lynn Fennell (Bonnie Saveall) and Carol (Mark) Woodward of Picton. Much loved Nana Ruth to Emily Fennell-Taylor, Hilary Fennell, Melissa Hyde, Ryan Woodward and Jocelyn Petherick. Great Nana Ruth to Piper Platt, Haimish Hunter, Spencer & Charlie Hyde and Griffin & Tucker Petherick.
During her childhood years Ruth developed a lifetime love of animals with her first fur friend being a horse she named Molly. Ruth’s heart was always fullest when she could share love with her many pets, which included various breeds of dogs, cats, guinea pigs, rabbits, budgie birds and very likely other creatures in her travels along the way. Ruth married Harold Fennell at the age of eighteen and together they had three children. Her love of family was natural and kept her close to home during the early years. Her days were spent preparing delicious meals that were bountiful and she welcomed many others regularly to join her family dinner table. Baking pies, tarts, cakes and canning preserves were regular routines. Ruth was an active member of the Picton United Church, participating in the Mother’s Auxiliary; playing piano for Sunday School; a member of the first bell choir and a willing helper always. As the years moved on and her family had grown Ruth sought more independence. She decided it was time to get her driver’s license and secure some wheels of her own, and she was extremely proud when she achieved both. Ruth ventured out into the work world and after several years of working as a counsellor assistant at Prince Edward Heights she undertook to enroll at Loyalist College and completed with honours the DSW program. Ruth remarried in 1981 to Charles (Pat) Mitchell. During their time together they travelled multiple times to Mexico, and in particular Puerto Vallarta, initially staying within the tourist resorts and then venturing to live within the mountain areas to enjoy the real beauty and customs of the Mexican people. Mom’s outgoing personality and her desire for adventure made it easy for her to bond with the Mexican people and she shared many wonderful relationships throughout these travels. She equally enjoyed her summer trailer days at Green Point, Naylor’s campground. Here she spent many happy days in her rustic built-on trailer, hosting many family barbeques and entertaining her grandchildren swimming, fishing and simply enjoying the great outdoors.
In later years Ruth’s health declined and resulted in her move to the H.J. McFarland Home. She took this move in stride and was always an active participant in activities, made multiple friends and ensured the cook was frequently complimented and keenly aware of her love of chicken. She shared her life with many loving staff over the years and we know they were a key component to her longevity.
Rest easy Mom after a life so very well lived. We will love you forever.
“Life is but a stopping place, a pause in what’s to be; a resting place along the road, to sweet eternity. We all have different journeys, different paths along the way, we all were meant to learn some things, but never meant to stay. Our destination is a place, far greater than we know, for some the journeys quicker, for some the journeys slow. When the journey finally ends, we’ll make a great step forward, and find an everlasting peace, as our special reward.”
Cremation has taken place with a private interment at Cherry Valley cemetery. If desired, donations in Ruth’s memory can be made to the Loyalist Humane Society or the Resident Family Council of H. J. McFarland Memorial Home. The family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation and gratitude to all employees of the H. J. McFarland Home for their many years of care and dedication in support of our mother.