Born a preemie, Ruth Ann fought to get into this world, and by God, put up an amazing fight to stay. Unfortunately, after a brief but fierce battle with cancer, she passed away at Hospice Wellington, Guelph, on Sunday, February 28, 2021. Ruth Ann was a special caring person who made a great impact on the lives of her family, friends and students. She is lovingly remembered by her husband Don Stephenson and their children Liam, Kieran, Mary and Ethan. She is survived by her brother George Allan and by her sister Linda Stewart (Michael Lue-Kim). Ruth Ann will be greatly missed by her aunts Beryl (Lloyd) Kruschenke and Muriel Tolton and by her uncle Jack (Anne) Allan and their families. She was predeceased by her parents William Arnold Allan (1986) and Charlotte Ellen (nee Maguire) Allan (2018). She loved her many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family. The “three amigos” of Susan, Karen and Evelyn had a close life-long friendship with Ruth Ann sharing fun and laughter along the way. Ruth Ann could always depend on her wonderful friends Wilma and Janet.
Animals and nature were close to her heart. Throughout her life, Ruth Ann made a difference with the many creatures that she encountered. She volunteered at the Guelph Humane Society to take care of many animals without homes, and even adopted several herself.
In her empathetic and compassionate way, she would try to solve issues whether they be personal, worldly, or green in nature. She was an advocate for animals and people alike using correspondence or spreading awareness through conversation.
Ruth Ann was able to connect with students of all ages. She taught at College Heights, John F. Ross and Westminster Woods. Over the years, she would be approached in public by former pupils asking, “Miss Allan, is that you?” Often, five years after leaving school, students remember their top three teachers, and Ruth Ann made that list for many of them.
In a last earthly teaching moment, she would likely be shouting down on her way up to the stars above: “Oh yes…and another thing, everyone get a Colonoscopy or FIT test, at the very least.”
Special thanks to family, friends, neighbours, clients of Don, Dr. Sue Stephenson, Bayshore PSWs and Nurses, the staff of Guelph General Hospital and Hospice and to the John F. “Ross Family” for their many acts of kindness during the last difficult months. Your thoughtfulness will always be remembered.
Due to COVID restrictions a private family ceremony will be held. In keeping with Ruth Ann’s wishes, a Celebration of Life will take place when we can gather safely. Albeit Ruth Ann loved flowers and received many during her illness, in lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice Wellington would be appreciated.