Ruth Joanne Getty (née Dundass)
February 7, 2023
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ruth Getty, peacefully and surrounded by family at Extendicare London, on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, in her 85th year. Beloved wife of 55 years to R. Douglas Getty. Proud mother to Gillian (Cindy Schriefer) of Atlanta, GA., Nicole (Jude St John), Malcolm, and Megan. Loving Grandma to Ena (Brett MacDonald), Adele (Mac Stanley – fiancé), Mara (Josh Boorsma – fiancé), Judah, and Arwen. She is survived by Carolyn (Ian MacKay), Jim (Diane [Wiebe] Dundass) of Sherwood Park, AB., and Rose [Chalmers] Dundass of Goderich. She is predeceased by her parents Ena and Mel Dundass, and brother Bill Dundass.
Ruth grew up east of Adelaide on Beattie Ave in a home her father built, where she graduated from Lady Beck and Sir Adam Beck Collegiate. She followed her father’s footsteps to Queens University where she made many lifelong friends and began her journey of faith. There she studied primary education and enjoyed a long supply teaching career with Thames Valley District School Board. Ruth took pleasure spending hours chatting on the phone, getting to know people, whether it was for Queens Alumni, Beck Alumni, her many genealogy projects, or helping with church events. Ruth reached a level of musical aptitude that afforded her the ability to also teach Suzuki Piano for many years, where she enjoyed hosting ‘Piano Parties’ in her home. Later in life she connected to many wonderful people through her involvement with the church prayer group, Mary Kay and Tops. She held a lifelong connection to the family cottages at ‘Melena Beach,’ located on Lake Huron, where she maintained a strong presence in the community. Her involvement with Centennial and Metropolitan United Churches in London brought her much joy as she enjoyed delivering newsletters and visiting many elderly members in long-term care who were unable to attend Sunday services. Another favourite pastime was to hand out CFL playing cards from her son-in-law Jude. She was intensely proud of the achievements of her children and you’d hear all about it, if you stood still long enough.
We would like to express our gratitude to all staff at Extendicare London for their compassionate and professional care over the past four years. Your commitment to holding steadfast to your values has been appreciated, more than you’ll ever know. A memorial service will be conducted at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, on Monday, February 13, 2023 at 3:00 p.m., with visitation one hour prior. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in memory of Ruth are asked to consider the Metropolitan United Church Choristers (https://metropolitanchurch.com/donate/support-the-choristers/).
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I am so sorry to be missing Ruth's funeral to-day. I had an appointment in the morning and was not brought home until 2:30 and I would not have time to drive to Westview, etc. for 3:00. Ruth was a special friend from Beattie Avenue days [although she was a bit older than me] but we reconnected more when we both went to Sir Adam Beck. A small group from Beck used to get together before Christmas at a restaurant and Ruth and Doug were part of that group. Doug would bring Ruth when healthwise she was going down hill a little and we were so glad that he did. Ruth was a true Beckite and had excellent memories of our time there that she would share and she had some scrapbooks of interest as well. A true Dundass genealogically and of the Scottish clan she belonged to. I will remember Ruth for all the things she could tell you about, for being a friend with a lovely smile and for the many memories we shared. Bonnie Spencer-Beer
We were saddened to hear of Ruth's passing. We shared some group experiences with Ruth at Metropolitan and benefitted from her company, her compassion and her commitment to God and church. May the light of happy memories soon begin to overcome the darkness of this sad time.
Ruth for several years visited regularly my mother, Edna Stott in the Rest home in Thedford and Strathmere Lodge in Strathroy. We appreciated her sincerity and compassion and her wonderful manner with my mother. Her contact was so important to not only my mother but our family. please accept our sincere condolences. Glenn & Lynne Stott and Family
I was very sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I’m so glad you were able to be with her. Please accept my condolences and know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Nicole & Family, My condolences to you and your family. It sounds like your mother was an amazing woman. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
RIP dear Ruth. Good memories from Centennial United Church choir. Always interesting conversations!
Deepest sympathy to the family. Ruth was a special lady. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Judy
To Doug and Family, Please accept our most sincere condolences on learning Ruth had passed. Our thoughts are with you at this time.
Doug - Condolences from Parkwood Hospital. Ruth was a pleasure to work with.
Services for Ruth Joanne Getty (née Dundass)
Visitation will be held at:
Westview Funeral Chapel
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
February 13, 2023 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Memorial Service will be held at:
Westview Funeral Chapel
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
February 13, 2023 3:00 pm
Reception will be held at:
Westview Funeral Chapel
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
February 13, 2023 4:00 pm
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I was so sorry to hear of Ruth's death. We became good friends in the eighties and nineties when we were involved with the Queen's Alumnae group. London was one of the few cities outside of Kingston to have a group for women graduates from Queen's. London's Alumnae had been a very active group since the 1920's. Sadly the women's groups amalgamated with the general alumni and our group folded. Over the years we had a lot of fun organizing luncheons, potlucks and even an annual conference one year at which the Sutherland Highland Dance troupe performed, thanks to Ruth. We provided a warm welcome and networking opportunities for new women graduates arriving in London and celebrated our older members. Ruth hosted many wonderful pot luck suppers at her home. She was sent down to Queen's by her father and I by my mother and grandfather. Cha gheill Ruth! A life well lived!
~ Leslie Isabel Smith