Obituary of Ruth Lillian Kern

KERN - Ruth Lillian Kern (nee Heidebrecht) passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at the age of 87, on September 12, 2018 at The Meadows in Swift Current, SK.  Ruth was born in Herbert, SK, the oldest child in her family.  She was raised on the family farm near Main Centre. Ruth and Arthur were childhood sweethearts and were married on June 26, 1954. Ruth was a wonderful cook, always making sure everyone was well fed.  As a farm wife with six children, she was not only busy cooking, cleaning, and caring for her family, but she was her husband's biggest help on the farm. Along with milking cows, driving grain truck, feeding the many hired men, she willingly helped out with anything else that needed to be done. Ruth was a talented seamstress, often making clothing for her children and grandchildren, as well as many quilts, made with love.  Ruth was sweet, smiley, and loved to laugh. During her time at the Swift Current Care Centre and The Meadows, she was known as “Smiling Ruth”. She was a very kind, gentle soul who had room in her home and heart for many people. She loved music, and always had her favorite country and gospel tunes playing in her kitchen or in her car while driving her children to their many activities. Ruth’s children and grandchildren were her pride and joy. It was the prayer of her heart for each of them to have a close relationship with the Lord.  Ruth is survived by her husband Arthur, of 64 years, as well as her six children: Lyla Cooper (Doug), Ivan Kern, Travis Kern (Brenda), Dale Kern (Annette), Dean Kern (Faye), and Holly Waker (Len); 18 grandchildren: Colleen Prescesky (Trevor), Leanne Carrier (Wayne), Kevin Cooper (Andrea), Michael Cooper (Jill), Derek Cooper (Sara Guenter), Tyler Kern, Glenda Keating (Jordan McCann), Adam Keating (Lydia), Ylijah Kern, Terri Kern, Kaitlynn Kern, Sandra Kern, Donavon Kern, Graham Kern, Stephanie Waker, Sabrina Waker, Shilo Waker, and Shakira Waker; eight great-grandchildren: William and Elan Prescesky, Loïc Carrier, Rylie, Chelsea, and Cody Cooper, Leighton Cooper, and Eva Cooper. She is also survived by her three siblings: Danny Heidebrecht (Adeline), Violet Quiring, and Audrey Hein, sisters-in-law Eileen Schinkel (Ernest) and Bev Kern, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents John and Anne Heidebrecht, her parents-in-law Roy and Olga Kern, her brothers and sisters-in-law: Wilf Kern (Shirley), Harold Kern (Doreen), and Ronald Kern. She was greatly loved and will be dearly missed.  A funeral service was held on Sunday, September 16, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Trailview Alliance Church.  The interment took place at Hillcrest Cemetery, Swift Current, SK.  For further information or to sign the family book of condolences, visit www.parksidefuneralhome.com.  Arrangements are in care of Parkside Memorial Funeral Home – Ryan Cappelle.