Ruth Cannon Sims was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, cousin, friend, neighbor, past worthy matron of the eastern star and a past jr. deputy of Lockport Triangle, and a faithful Bingo volunteer. She was a lifetime member of this parish, having been baptized, married and now today, buried from this place.
Ruth, above all else, was a beloved child of God.
Today, as she takes her spot in the dwelling place of God we celebrate who she was and how her earthly life exemplified just how the Way the Truth and Life of our faith can be lived out in the world.
One of the earliest ways Ruth expressed her faith was through the Order of the Eastern Star and later the triangle girls. These organizations link people of many different faiths to do good works for others. It was an important part of Ruth’s life…and continues to be an important part of Dan and Linda’s. Through The Order of the Eastern Star, Ruth Sims walked the walk of her faith.
Ruth’s faith was a part of her, and it showed up in everything she did.
At the hospital a couple of weeks ago, the nurse was taking Ruth’s history and asked, “do you have all your teeth.” Without missing a beat, Ruth flashed a grin and said, “I better, I worked in a dental office for 40 years!” When Pete called the office that was previously Dr. Sippel’s to inform them of Ruth’s death, Linda cried. How many of us can say, 15 years after we retire that news of our death would be met with tears? But Ruth left her mark. She was a good worker, a good friend and a fun colleague. In other words, Ruth shared the light of Christ with all those she encountered at Dr Sippel’s office.
When Ruth broke her leg two years ago, what was her biggest concern? Making sure Colleen at the Dale Center knew she wouldn’t be there for Bingo. Folks counted on her and she wasn’t going to leave them in a lurch. She loved the Dale Association, and was eager to give back. Ruth embodied the Christian adage that it’s better to give than to receive. She knew the real truth behind that saying---that in giving we receive more joy than imaginable.
Now this is probably making Ruth uncomfortable, all this talking about the good she did in her community. For Ruth, bringing attention to herself was wrong--don’t make a fuss! Actually it was one of the toughest things about Ruth’s last days. She simply wouldn’t tell us she was in pain… She didn’t want to bother us or the medical staff.
It’s one of the reasons she sat in that pew [point]. It was a very strategic position for her. It was far enough back that she wasn’t drawing attention to herself but close enough so Fr Thomas wouldn’t “have to” bring her communion. Again, no fuss no mess when it came to Ruth Sims.
She was also pretty no-nonsense. I don’t think anyone who knew her well, especially her family, would call Ruth warm and fuzzy. But my gosh, did Ruth ever love her family.
Forgive me, as I get a little personal for a moment. Ruth was my mother in law. And while she had a hard time accepting how it came to be that I entered the family, she welcomed me in her own unassuming way. And I will be forever grateful that she really let me in during these last few weeks when we shared some hearty laughs and I got to know a side of her I will cherish forever.
How many of you knew how very funny Ruth was? She had a quick wit and would shoot out one liners that would bring the room down. Pete and I spent a good portion of September at her bedside. One afternoon we were watching The Price is Right….Ruth LOVED game shows…..I asked her, “Ruth, how do you like Drew Carey as the new host of the show?” Without missing a beat, she said, “well he’s no Bob Barker. Never will be.” That was Ruth…she had her opinions and she had her sense of humor. Together they formed a wonderful one two punch.
When Fr. Thomas visited her the other day he asked her what was the first thing she’d say when she saw her beloved Harry again. With a twinkle in her eye, she said, “ready or not here I am!”
Speaking of Harry, here’s what you all need to know. Ruth Cannon Sims was a devoted wife. Not because that’s what she was supposed be. No she was devoted to Harry because she adored that man. They met right after WW2 and when Harry died eight years ago, they had been married almost 60 years!!.
As many of you know the last two years of Harry’s life were difficult-- he needed dialysis 3 days a week and first had one, and then the other leg amputated. Ruth, all 5 ft of her, took care of her beloved Louie (I don’t have time to go into all the different names people in the Cannon and Sims family go by. Suffice it to say, Ruth, formerly known as Pete, married into the right family when she married Harry also known as Louie. ).
It was that dedication which fueled Pete these past few years. As Ruth’s stay in the hospital stretched out for days and then weeks, Pete’s mantra was to take as good a care of Ruth as Ruth had taken of Harry. And Pete, you did. You honored both your mother and your father with your care and concern. I know your relationship with mother was tough at times, but she loved you and knew that you’d always be there for her when she called. And you were.
Daniel, your mother thought of you always and soothed herself when anxious or bored by baking chocolate chip cookies for you and then freezing them so that when you came to visit there would always be some for you. No doubt there were cookies in the freezer when you arrived last week.
Linda, you coming to spend six weeks with Mom while she recovered from her knee surgery was a huge help. It allowed her to stay in her home instead of a nursing home. She probably never thanked you for that, but know she was grateful.
Samantha and Patrick. You were Grandma’s pride and joy. Samantha, one of the happiest days of Grandma’s life was when Daniel married your mom and you were brought into the family. You and Payton’s presence here these past days brought her untold amounts of comfort.
Patrick, this may come as a surprise to you, but you were a somewhat fussy baby. Indeed you cried almost non stop for two years. Grandma would rock you hours on end and she and Grandpa would fill the wading pull and sit with you—again for hours---while you splashed around. She loved you and was so happy that you’re finding your way.
Ruth Cannon Sims knew that in her father’s house there was a dwelling place erected just for her. She was being called home these past weeks, and finally, early on Thursday morning, the draw was too great, the call too loud and she finally let go…no doubt with Harry saying, “C’mon Mother stop farting around, it’s time to go.”
Rest in peace, faithful servant, daughter, wife, mother mother–in-law grandmother, great grandmother, faithful Christian and good friend. We will miss you, but we will see you again. Until then, may your rest be in glorious glorious peace. Amen.
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