Ruth Mary Barnaby ~ Westport, NS

With hearts full of love and gratitude for the life we shared with her, we honour the passing of our beloved mother, nanny, sister, aunt, and friend. At 90 years of age, Ruth received her wings in the early morning of April 13th, 2026, at the Villa Acadienne in Meteghan, NS. She is now resting in the arms of Jesus, where everything that was broken has been made new.

Mom was born in Freeport, NS, on April 8, 1936, to Willard Harry and Nellie Alberta (Moore) Titus.

Our mom was a true treasure, and her family was her pride and joy. She loved nothing more than spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great- great grand children and extended family. Those moments together meant the world to her. She also deeply cherished her many friends. Bingo and playing cards were a favourite pastime for her, whether it was with her rummoli friends over the years or enjoying different card games with Barb, her best friend of over 55 years.

Mom spent the better part of her life cooking, always pouring love into everything she made. She enjoyed cooking for her family and those in the community on Brier Island. Homemade bread, egg tarts and donuts were shared with many on the island. She was often asked by some of the grandchildren, “Nanny, will you make a pot of spaghetti?” and she always did, with love. Anyone who had the opportunity to land at her home on a day she was baking rolls or making seafood chowder always left with a full belly. Her pies were to drool for; many kinds she lovingly shared.

Another pastime of Mom’s was knitting. She made many items: hats, mittens, socks, dishcloths, etc. One story we would like to share: she would gladly give her knitted socks to two ferrymen, Gerry Thurber and Todd Anderson. She would proudly say, “They will help keep their feet warm.”

Feeding the birds and enjoying her flower gardens were also among her favourite pastimes.

Ruth was predeceased by her parents; her loving husband, Leslie; her daughter, Reta; and her son, Bruce and five of her siblings. She is lovingly survived by her sister Marilyn, dear friend Barb; her children, Herbert (Lynda), Carl (Pamela), Rodney (Micki), daughter-in-law Lauri, Jane (Arden), Clayton, and Ann (Greg); and her grandchildren: Joshua, Justin, Charity, Kara, Chantelle, Amy, Chance, Jesse, Paige, Kayla, Dani, Tiffany, Colin, Brittany, Shannon, Felicia, Nicholas, and Colton. She had many great-grandchildren and several great-great-grandchildren.

Her presence will be deeply missed, but her legacy lives on in the family she built and cherished.

Cremation has taken place under the care of Middleton Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be held on April 25th at 1:30 p.m. at the Westport Church of Christ on Brier Island, with Lou Outhouse officiating. Donations in Mom’s memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Courtney Highleyman, NP for her excellent care of mom while mom still lived in Westport, to the two home care workers, Madi Langille and Heather Buckman, a great addition to mom’s care when we needed extra help, the staff at Tideview Terrace, Digby, where she often stayed for respite; YRH; Dr. J. Gillis; the staff in ER; Dr. A. Hussein; and the staff on the third floor south. Special thanks to Dr. A. Blinn and the Bay View staff at Villa Acadienne, Meteghan, for the love and care that was given to Mom while she was a resident there.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main Street, toll free 1-855-825-3448.

Online condolences or memories you may wish to share with the family may be made by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com

I asked Jesus… “How much do you love me?” And Jesus said… "This much.” Then he stretched out His arms and died.