Ruth Airey

On January 10, 2025, Ruth Airey of Ponoka passed away at the age of 85, with family at her side, after a courageous battle with cancer. Ruth is lovingly remembered by her daughter Kathy Heenan (Dick), grandchildren Brandon (Laura Winger), Jaclyn (Mark Kubanski), and Taylor, and great-grandchildren Rowan and Jasper Heenan; and son David Airey (Alison Wood) and grandchildren Kelsey (Dennis Betz) and Logan.  Ruth was predeceased by her husband Ron Airey in 2017.

Ruth and late husband Ron made Ponoka their home in the early 1960’s as they enjoyed raising their family on the residential grounds of the Ponoka Alberta Hospital and then later in town.  Ruth enjoyed many activities while always working outside the home. She worked as a cashier at the IGA and then became office manager with Northwestern Utilities for over 20 years before retiring in the mid 1990’s. Ruth curled, played golf, tended a huge vegetable garden and flower garden while living on the grounds of the Ponoka Hospital. During the young family years Kathy lived her childhood dream of having a pony then a horse and David played hockey while Ruth kept everything going with dinner on the table like clockwork. Ruth and Ron became “Snowbirds” for 14 years driving to Arizona for a break from the Alberta winters. Ruth also enjoyed giving back to the community by her involvement with the Aquaplex committee, helping raise funds to build the Ponoka Aquaplex. Ruth attended Aquasize with some local ladies and it became a source of friendship and health adding to her quality of life. She volunteered at the Ponoka Hospital Gift shop until last summer and she recalled how happy it made her feel that funds from the gift shop would provide support to patients and staff alike.

We would like to sincerely thank the doctors, nurses, and all staff at the Ponoka Hospital for their compassionate care during Ruth’s final days. Special thanks also to Bill and Judy Airey, Lynn Houcher and to the Reddick families for showing their enduring friendship to Ruth.

A Celebration of Life will be planned in the near future.

If a donation in Ruth’s name is desired, the family would be pleased to support The Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre Gift Shop.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ruth Airey, please visit our floral store.