Deanna Ruth (Ruth) Stroud
(nee Johnston)

Ruth passed away peacefully on Monday January 13, 2025.

She is survived by her devoted husband James Stroud of Edmonton, AB; her three children, Douglas (Cynthia), Bryan, and Tracy (Claude), her beloved grandchildren, Dawn George (Joe), Darryl Bayford (Lindsay), Tiffany Ainsworth (Andrew), Jamie Ray (Russell), Scott Brett, Travis Stroud and great-grandchildren Kaeden, Ethan, Abbey, Gavin, Gina, Sydney, Sienna, and Liam. She also leaves behind sister-in-law Lynda Stroud as well as several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents Eva (Middleton) and Fred Johnston and by her siblings Helen, Freda, and Curly as well as brothers-in-law Ron Stroud and Gerald Stroud.

Born in February 1940 in Edson, Alberta, Ruth met Jim in 1957 when she was 17 years old, and they married shortly thereafter. In the early years of their marriage, they lived in Edmonton. Jim worked for CN Rail, and they moved between Edson and Jasper and eventually settled in Edmonton.

When Jim retired, Ruth and Jim spent several years as snowbirds, enjoying their fifth wheel, spending time with lots of good friends who also travelled the same path. After years travelling south for the winter, they moved to Vernon, BC where they lived until 2019 when they returned to Edmonton to be near their children.

Ruth valued family more than anything else and loved family picnics, reunions, and camping where she could spend time outdoors, around the fire, singing, sipping Jack, playing cards, beanbag, and sharing stories. Ruth loved watching hockey, especially when it was her grandsons’ games.

Ruth was a dedicated grandmother who helped raise her grandchildren and she had a special and close relationship with her grandchildren. Ruth loved to visit with her nieces and nephews, among whom she was known for bringing fun, laughs, memories and stories to every family gathering.

Everywhere Ruth went she was a popular lady and had many friends including some life-long ones such as Marg, Peggy, and Marie. In recent years, Ruth befriended folks in the Senior’s residence where she and Jim lived. People who live there have shared with the family the profound impact Ruth had on their daily lives as a friend, companion and leader who engaged people through playing cards, games, visiting, participating in activities and enjoying music.

Ruth was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and aunt who will be deeply missed by many. Ruth was a long-time volunteer and supporter of the Salvation Army. Should you wish to commemorate Ruth’s memory, memorial donations may be made to the Salvation Army or to a charity of your choice.