YOUNG, Ruth

July 13, 1953 — February 27, 2022

With shattered hearts, the family of Ruth Estelle Young announces her passing in Kelowna, British Columbia, on February 27, 2022. Mom gave us a love so complete and unconditional, that even with her physical passing, it is still felt as solid as the strength she showed in the bravery of her illness. Momma is now up in heaven dancing and running on the beach with the love of her life, her late husband, Arthur Gary Young (March 2, 2019).

Our Mom was an incredibly creative and passionate woman whose most significant accomplishment was her family. A fan of good music, fast cars, and fashion. The absolute epitome of what it is to be a lady who lived a quiet life of dignity, grace, and class. Making the most of every moment and seeing the positive in everything. Laughing in the face of foreclosure as long as the family felt safe and loved. Every room she walked into or person she encountered, she without fail would brighten their day. The tiny body she was given was not enough for the enormous heart and soul she possessed. She truly made it look easy being “Super-Mommo,” and her advice and wisdom will never be forgotten. The greatest gift we were ever given was the love and support of our parents.

Ruth was born in Vancouver on July 13, 1953, and lovingly adopted by George and Estelle Dickran. Ruth, as a child, left Shaughnessy with her family and lived in Santa Barbra, California. This is where Mom discovered her love of the sun and warm weather that created so many beautiful memories for her. The 1970s saw her move to Kelowna, where she started her family and truly felt at home. Here, she was able to reconnect with her birth family and was delighted to discover she was the big sister to Maxine, Michael, Mark, and Miles Muelleder. After her children left home, Mom was still not done caring for others. Later in life, she went back to school and excelled as a care aid at Sun Pointe Village, a career she was intensely passionate and skilled at. It is here, as well, Mom saw another way to help others and applied her seamstress skills in creating adaptive clothing for disabled residents. The friendships and stories she shared from her time there were some of her fondest. Talk to Jesus, and always remember the importance and value of family were what she’d want us to most remember.

Ruth will be forever and lovingly remembered by her six children: Richard, Colin (Cindy), Adam, Kristen (Desmond), Jesse (Kia), and Luke. Ruth will also be fondly remembered by her seven grandchildren: Hunter, Landon, Colten, Corben, Addisyn, Asher and Bennett. She will be profoundly missed by all who knew her.

An intimate Celebration of Life for Ruth will be held this summer for the family. Thank you and a deep appreciation to the staff in the CCU at Kelowna General Hospital for the extraordinary care and dignity they provided during Mom’s passing. As well, a special thank you to all her doctors, nurses, support workers, and medicine delivery people. You were incredibly kind, and that kindness meant the world to our mother.

We love you to the moon and back, our movie star. In a blink of an eye, we will see each other again. Until then, we’ll make you proud. Even if we aren’t thinking of you, we’re thinking of you.

Love you, Momma!