LYON: Robina "Ruby" Ritchie Lyon: September 10, 1919 - November 10, 2013. It is with sadness we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother on Sunday November 10, 2013, at North Battleford, SK. Survived by her daughter Lynda Lyon-Walls( Jim) North Battleford, Arthur Lyon(Carmel) Adelaide, Â鶹ÊÓƵ Australia; Grandchildren: Jill Lyon, Sydney, Australia; Sheena Walls-Ingram(Daniel), Humboldt, SK; Andrew Walls ( Cassandra) Saskatoon, Sask; James Lyon, Adelaide Â鶹ÊÓƵ Australia( Jess Turner). Great-Grandchild: James 'Jimmy" Ingram, Humboldt, Sask. She was pre-deceased by her husband, Arthur Lyon, parents: Isabella and Anderson Blyth, brothers: Hugh, Anderson, William, Robert, and sisters: Sadie MacKenzie, Hannah Howie, Betty Brooks. Ruby was born Sept 10, 1919 in Wishaw Scotland, and soon moved with her parents and eight siblings to Musselburgh, near Edinburgh, Scotland. It was here where Ruby spent all her childhood and teen years. She experienced a wonderful childhood playing on the beach beside her house, and close to the Musselburgh Harbour The things she loved as a child were the same things that brought her joy throughout life: family, children, warm friendships, backyard concerts, theatre,school, boats, beaches, books, movies, poetry, writing, knitting, sewing, sports (field-hockey as a girl), flowers, trees, cats, dogs, horses, music and love of Scottish history and culture. Ruby attended Campie Elementary School, and then Musselburgh Grammar School, in Scotland. Upon leaving school Ruby worked with the Scottish Motor Transport Company in Edinburgh during the war years; then Edinburgh Insurance, and Langham Woolen Mills. She married Arthur Lyon in Edinburgh, 1947. She and Arthur had two children, Lynda and Arthur. She and her small family emigrated to Saskatoon in October, 1957. Ruby soon adjusted to Canadian life, and was involved in many of her children's pursuits, and various other organizations. She and her husband were two of the original parents instrumental in starting the Bonnie Bluebells Pipe Band in Saskatoon; she was a 'Brownie Leader; volunteered with the Saskatoon FolkFest; recited many a poem at various concerts, and versed herself in Canadian history and culture. She was a devoted 'mum' to her two children, encouraging them in all their extra-curricular endeavors; ensuring that they too had a terrific childhood filled with imagination and wonder. When her grandchildren came along, Ruby enriched their childhoods by telling them stories, singing songs, providing them with hand-written letters and cards, crafting all sorts of toys and clothes for them, and always using 'make-believe' to enrich their lives. She valued childhood very much, and made a big deal of every single holiday; creating traditions in her family that will live on for generations. She loved being around lots of people, especially young people, who she always said made her feel young. Ruby worked for Early's Seed and Feed, the YWCA, and Eaton's Credit Office in Saskatoon. She loved to travel, and made a number of trips to Australia to visit her son, Arthur, his wife Carmel, her two grandchildren, Jill and James and other family members there. She also made several trips back to Scotland, and cherished her family there - her sister 'Isobel (Bunt), her niece Margaret, and many other relatives. Although the last years of her life were compromised to a degree by Alzheimer's Disease, Ruby fought valiantly to make the very best of her life. She lived with her daughter and son- in- law, Lynda and Jim for several years following the death of her husband Arthur. She later lived at River Heights Lodge in North Battleford, where she was lovingly cared for by the staff. Despite how much was taken away from Ruby due to Alzheimer's Disease, she still had a wonderful sense of fun and humour, a strong love for children, especially her great-grandson Jimmy, or 'That Wee Boy' as she sometimes affectionately called him; and an appreciation for her family, friends, and all things 'bright and beautiful'. The family extends a heartfelt thank you to family and friends who sent messages, cards, flowers, donations to the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan; those who provided food, even house-cleaning, and visits of comfort during this sad time. Thank you also to Bob MacKay of the Battlefords Funeral Service for his diligence and kindness; St Andrews Church Ladies, for a lovely lunch; and especially River Heights Lodge for the kindness, compassion, and excellent care provided to our 'Mum" over the past several years. Bless you all. ____________________________________________________
