LASSITER, Ruth
Lassiter,Ruth
It is with heavy hearts the family of Ruth Lassiter announce her passing on Sunday, October 26th, 2025, at the Bassano Health Centre. Ruth was born on October 2nd, 1935, in Bassano, Alberta to Albert and Rosina (Schaffer) Meidinger. She recently celebrated her 90th birthday with her large extended family.
Ruth and her five siblings were raised in Bassano, where they attended the local school. She was a proud member of the BHS marching band which travelled all over Alberta. Ruth worked at the family-owned restaurant and after graduation completed a comptometer course. She shared fond memories of her father driving her to the train station for her Monday morning train ride to work at the Royal Bank in Calgary, always in a dress and high heels.
Ruth married Stan Lassiter on February 12th, 1955, in Bassano. They lived on the family farm in Makepeace until 1962, when they moved to town. They raised six children and were together for 67 years.
Ruth was an avid curler and sports fan and always enjoyed a bonspiel; Cluny, Brooks, Hussar, Gem, Patricia-game on. The highlight was meeting her idol, Kevin Martin. She never missed an opportunity to watch her children and grandchildren play baseball, volleyball, basketball, figure skate, or take a ride in the motorhome to a hockey game.
Farm life and raising six children kept her busy. A large family meant lots of family gatherings, meal planning, and cooking. No need for DoorDash. The harvest crew looked forward to opening their lunch boxes thoughtfully prepared by Ruth and welcomed the evening meals she delivered to the field. In later years, she worked at Naturmade Products assembling cake boards. She enjoyed this job as it allowed her to socialize with her many friends. Ruth was a proud Life Member of Royal Purple.
She is survived by her six children, Barry (Leslie Hannah), Connie (Greg Long), Robert (Cheryl), Kent (Nancy), Brenda (Randy Johnson), and Darrel (Carrie); eleven grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren, Simon (Nathalie) Isabella, Everly, Brandon (Ashlie) Henry; David (Robyn) Nolan, Marlee; Chase (Amanda) Arabelle, Haynes, Colton (Ashley), Brittany (Khim), Liam, Ariya, Payden (Christy) Rayne, Loki, Wrennyn, Adam (Shelby) Weston, Clayton (Jennica), Penelope, Clarke, Cody and Taylor (Sheldon). Let’s not forget Jackie Brown (Jack) and her devoted niece Shirley Gosling.
Ruth was predeceased by her loving debater and soul-mate Stan, her parents, Albert and Rosie Meidinger, brother Norman Art Meidinger (Elaine); sisters Florence Cowan (Ralph), Lorraine Shaw (Bruce), Verna Cotton (Wes), Doris Evans (Jerry Cote and Floyd); nieces Gloria Shaw, Peggi Cowan and nephews Ralph Cowan Jr. and Leslie Meidinger.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Bassano Volunteer Fire Department, Brooks EMS, Bassano Hospital, Brooks Home Care, and the Playfair Lodge volunteers for the care they provided mom.
Our “Sweet Bassano Baby” will be dearly missed by many.
There will be a private family service in honour of mom. This service will be livestreamed on November 22nd, 2025 at 1:00 PM, available at www.sfh.ca
In memory of Ruth, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Heart and Stroke Foundation, Box 2414, Suite 1200 – 2300 Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario M4P 1E4.
Cremation entrusted to and conducted at
Smith Funeral Home Ltd. and Crematorium, Brooks
Funeral arrangements entrusted to:
SMITH FUNERAL HOME LTD. AND CREMATORIUM, BROOKS, ALBERTA
Condolences may be forwarded through www.sfh.ca
Telephone 403-362-4636 or Toll Free 866-362-4652
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