LELOND: Ruth Blanche (nee Gibbon). The family is saddened to announce the passing of Ruth Lelond, Monday, March 23, 2009 at the Brandon Regional Health Centre. Left to mourn are daughter Lois (Bill) Couling, Brandon - granddaughters Allison (Steve) Witvoet, Bryn and Grayson and Julie (Ryan) Visser, Myles and Kaylee; daughter Joan Dupuis-Neal (Aubrey Neal), Winnipeg, granddaughter Rejeanne Dupuis (Lee McCormick) Anais; and grandson Ryan Dupuis (Lori Campbell); one brother, Eric Gibbon, Winnipeg, numerous nieces and nephews and their families. She was predeceased by her husband Wesley in 1988, and siblings Arthur and Mary. Ruth was born on September 29, 1917 to parents Hugh and M'liss Gibbon. She received her education in Miniota and attended Normal School in Winnipeg, teaching in Roselea and Glenlochar rural schools before her marriage in 1942. Ruth was active in the Arrow River and Miniota communities - being involved in WI, WMS and later UCW (United Church Women) groups. She played an active role in the compilation of the Miniota History centennial project in 1967, spending many days in the Winnipeg Archives gleaning information. A love of gardening, particularly flowers, prompted the development of a small greenhouse where she grew her own seedlings for many years; she continued to enjoy nurturing flowers in her balcony garden in Lions Manor. The move from the farm at Arrow River to town life in Miniota in 1962 opened up a world of Scrabble, curling, golf and predominately bridge, a favourite pastime continuing after the move to Brandon in 2001. She met so many new friends in Lion's Manor, Valleyview and Prairie Oasis playing bridge, a pursuit she enjoyed until a few weeks prior to her death. Ceremony to Celebrate Ruth's Life will be held at Memories Chapel, 330-18th Street North on Saturday, April 4 at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Carolyn Rushton of Wawanesa United Church will officiate. A private family interment will follow at a later date. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations in memory of Ruth may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 193 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3C 9Z9. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements are with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.