Date of Birth: August 3, 1930
Date of Death: September 22, 2021
Ruth Helen Kainz (nee Silzer) was born on the family farm south of Avonhurst, Sask. on Aug. 3, 1930. She was the oldest of three daughters born to Karl and Elmira Silzer. These three sisters later became known as “Charlie’s Angels”. Named after “Ruth in the Bible”; she exuded all the qualities of loyalty, kindness and love.
Ruth’s work ethic was shaped at an early age as she helped her dad with the farm chores including milking cows in their small dairy operation; preparing milk for shipping and tending other livestock including a large number of chickens and other fowl. When not helping her dad as his “hired hand”, she was found assisting her mother with household duties such as cooking and baking; processing garden produce &and preserving; and general domestic duties. Her lifelong role of caregiver also started early in life, caring for her sisters, her cousin Bill who had come to live with them; as well as her aging grandparents who lived in the same home and farmyard. Later she would care for her own family and her elderly parents. She always accepted whatever role she was needed in without regret or complaint.
She attended Ridgeway Country School where she became known as “Spider” due to her long legs and thin stature. This nickname stayed with her throughout her school years. She completed her Grade 8 education with high marks, despite having to be absent from school for most of the spring and fall seasons. Ruth dreamed of being a teacher, however her dreams were put on hold as there wasn’t enough money to send all three girls on to higher education, so she remained home as a caregiver. Even though she did not receive a formal degree, she became a lifelong teacher to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She met a handsome guitar player/singer at a country dance and after a short courtship, at the age of 17, married Ernest Kainz on Oct. 21, 1947. The following spring, opportunity arose for Ernie to purchase his family farm north of Markinch. They moved to the Kainz homestead where they lived for a good portion of their lives; mom running the household and working alongside Ernie as farming partners. It was here their family grew – adding Debby (1949), Garry (1954), Daphne (1956) and finally Denise (1965).
Being on the farm was hard work, but also afforded many happy times. Nothing pleased Ruth more than having a house full of family and friends; or when her kid’s friends would gather. She adopted every one of them as her own. The coffee pot was always on and a visit usually included fresh cinnamon buns or buns with fresh butter she had churned that morning. You never left Ruth’s house without being offered something to eat. She was well known for her cinnamon buns, bread, potato soup, perogies and cabbage rolls, and her welcoming nature. Ruth had that friendly aura around her. She could meet a total stranger and become instant friends within 10 minutes.
Ruth enjoyed entertaining friends and family, gardening, reading, writing in her journals, doing a variety of crafts, sewing, quilting, knitting and crocheting (especially her knitted dishcloths and crocheted stove towels). Visitors were always encouraged to take home a dishcloth or towel from her stash. Her vibrant and colorful hand-quilted blankets adorned many beds. She decorated a number of elaborate wedding cakes in her younger years. Her best memories including touring the countryside with her grandchildren; taking them to rodeos and attractions such as Gopherville; playing cards or games and just spending time with them all. She always made time for everyone no matter how busy she was. Her family was her EVERYTHING! She was so proud and loved every one of them as they arrived and grew. She had a special bond with her great-grandchildren as well and felt fortunate to see so many of their accomplishments. She greeted new experiences with enthusiasm &and youthful delight. At the age of 85 she accepted her first ever role of flowergirl at her granddaughter’s wedding. At the age of 88 she joined the technological world and began using Facebook as a means of keeping in touch with her grandchildren and despite never having learned how to type, she breezed through their posts adding “stickers” and eventually typing messages or video chatting with them.
She enjoyed the beauty of nature, especially the everchanging seasons, namely the wild crocus’ in spring; summer blossoms of flowers both hand grown and wild; the bright fall colors of the changing trees. She found beauty in winter with the hoar frost on the trees or frost designs on the window or how crisp shadows adorned the snow. She relished Saskatchewan skies. She loved watching birds, especially hummingbirds, bluebirds, robins and orioles. Her binoculars and bird guide were always within reach to identify her feathered friends.
Due to Ernie’s ailing health, they retired off the farm and moved to Westview, just outside of Melville, in 1979. Here they became involved with the hamlet of Westview. They managed the concession at the Melville Curling Club for numerous winters. Ruth’s cooking became the talk of the town and even non-curlers showed up for meals. It was a great outlet for Ruth and Ernie’s social natures and they soon made many lifelong friends in the Melville area and beyond. In 1986, Ruth and Ernie moved into the city of Melville. After Ernie’s passing and requiring more assistance from family; Ruth moved back to Southey where she resided for the remainder of her life.
Ruth was predeceased by her parents; her husband of 57 years, Ernest (2004); her daughter, Daphne Krofchek (2014); and daughter, Debby Staruiala (2016); great-grandchildren, Finley (2016) and Rhea Lapchuk (2021); as well as numerous brothers and sisters inlaw, nieces, nephews and close friends.
Her legacy will be remembered and honored by those left here on Earth: children, Garry and Shelley Kainz, Denise and Shayne Krochak; sons-in Law, Joe Staruiala and Murray Krofchek; grandchildren, Tara and Michael Glover; Dean and Mandy Staruiala; Ryan and Jackie Kainz; Evan and Stephanie Kainz; Jolene Kainz and Chad Stewart; Sayward and Robert Kohlenberg; Cassie and Bradley Hein; Tessa Krofchek and Dustin Almasi; Morgan and Mitchell Lapchuk; Dyllan Krochak and Cobi Mayer. Also holding special memories are her great-grandchildren, Lee Glover; Jacob, Joshua and Hope Glover; Hannah and Zakary Staruiala; Eric Kainz and Kiana Young; Tyson Kainz and Julia Nixon; Kaylea Kainz and Alex Jap; Gavin and Ethan Kainz; Bree, Alex and Tori Kohlenberg; Averick, Prudence and Korban Hein; Mia and Matty Almasi; Asher Lapchuk.; sisters, June and Robert Davies and Betty and Ken Knott; sister-in-law, Betty Kainz; as well as numerous family members and countless lifelong friends.
A private family service was held on Oct. 1, 2021.
Donations can be made in Ruth’s name to a charity of choice. If desired, plant a tree in memory of Ruth in hopes to give a bird a home so you can enjoy watching them as she did.
