Obituary of Ruth Kenney

Ruth Kenney (nee Wallis) was born in London, Ontario on June 12, 1932. On Oct. 5, 2023 while peacefully sleeping, she left us for her final home in heaven at the age of 91. We have a lifetime of special memories but she is missed by daughter Jean Nadeau (Richard), son John Kenney (Julie) and grandson Ian. Mom/Grandma is also cherished by her late son Paul’s family including grandson Brock Kenney (Alana) and new great grandsons Emmett and Miles, grand daughter Brittney Kenney, grandson Zach Kenney, their mom Evelyn Tsopelas (Ed) and Paul’s partner, Jeff Potts.

Mom lived at Bethany Lodge in Unionville for 10 years and we are grateful for the dedicated and compassionate care of all the staff. Alzheimer’s eroded her awareness, memories and ability to communicate, so we have already been missing the mom we knew and her vibrant presence for several years. When she was still able to think clearly, she often said that she was looking forward to meeting Jesus in heaven and being reunited with loved ones who went before her….husband Clayton Kenney, beloved son Paul Kenney, dear grandson Chad Kenney, birth parents Mabel and George Wallis, brothers Jack and Charlie Wallis, sisters Marge Wallis Jones and Jean Wallis Sheridan. Her mother Mabel died just after she was born so she was welcomed as an infant into the loving family of her oldest brother, the late George Clifford Wallis (Cliff or G.C.) and his late wife Janet (nee Louden) who she always knew as her beloved mom and dad. She shared her childhood with big brother George and cherished sisters Agnes and Margaret.

After marrying Clayt in 1952, mom moved from Dearborn to Windsor but still regularly saw her family who were just a short trip over the river. She treasured the love, food, stories and laughter, fun and games of joyous family gatherings with the Wallis, Louden and Mayes clans in Michigan and at Ipperwash. After moving to Unionville 25 years ago, mom stayed in touch by phone and letters but missed regularly seeing her extended family in Michigan including sister Margaret Smith (late Ted and late Leon St John) and children Larry, Lois, Lynn, her sister Agnes Wagner (late Paul) and her family including beloved nieces Ruth and late Cathie, nephews David, Glen and Neil Wagner, along with her brother George Wallis (Lucy) and nieces Janet, Karen, Linda and Nancy. She is also survived by her dear sister-in-law Joyce (Ken) Armstrong and nieces Paula and Stephanie, and Clayt’s brother Ray Kenney (late Gail) and children Donald, Karen, Lori who all live in Windsor.

Mom studied the Bible daily and weathered life’s challenges with an unwavering trust in God, and she believed in the power of prayer. Her faith guided her and she was a truly kind and loving soul, devoted and generous to so many people. Ruth was enthusiastic, committed and hard working in all her roles as a wife, parent, at church, camp and Green Shield.

Ruth enjoyed being active, nature and the great outdoors, was an avid reader, loved music and singing, appreciated art and live theater, playing games, laughing and being silly, traveling and seeing new places, camp, Ipperwash, cooking and baking (those muffins and scones!!) dressing up and having lunch or a cup of tea with a friend, visiting her kids and grandkids. She shared many of these passions with her children and grandchildren who will continue to find comfort in precious memories of their time with her.

Ruth felt that she was blessed and lived a rich life. She loved to laugh, was grateful for what she had, found delight in small things, had the joy and comfort of her faith, and knew that she was loved by her family and many friends.

Visitation Wednesday, October 11 from 1:30-2:30 at Windsor Chapel Funeral Home, 1700 Tecumseh Rd.East, Windsor, ON Interment at 2:45 pm Victoria Memorial Gardens, 1185 Hwy 3, Oldcastle, ON

If you wish, honor Ruth with a donation to Bethany Lodge, her non-profit long term care home - Bethany Lodge 

Share memories & expressions of sympathy at www.windsorchapel.com