Obituary of Margaret Ruby Elliott

Margaret Ruby Jones was born in Edmonton, Alberta to Dr. Frederick and Ruby Jones. She is predeceased by her parents, her sister Phyllis, her brother Fred, and her grandson Andrew.

Growing up in Wadena, Saskatchewan, Margaret competed in track and field and figure skating. She met Dale when she was 14 and they fell madly in love.  Four years later they were married. Margaret needed her parent’s permission due to her age and her father took the opportunity to set Dale “on the right path” before giving the go-ahead.

They settled in Edmonton and Brenda was born a year later. Michael followed in 1960. When Michael was still a baby they relocated to the Northwest Territories, spending time in Yellowknife and Fort Smith before settling in the town of Aklavik.  With groceries delivered only a couple times a year, ordering, storing, rationing, and preparing food took meticulous planning. Dale had to travel for work, which meant that Margaret was often alone with two small children. Her positive attitude and bravery got her through, and she came away with many great stories of their experiences and the people they met in the North.

After a few years they returned to Edmonton and Diane was born in 1968. Shortly afterward they moved to the Okanagan Valley where they spent the next few years. In 1979 they moved to Victoria BC where Dale bought a commercial fishing boat. Margaret took on the job of planning all the meals, shopping and packing the food for his 14-day trips. Later she took on another new challenge, helping Dale launch and run a successful mechanical engineering firm.

After retirement Margaret and Dale moved to Creston, BC and spent 22 winters in Mesa Arizona as “snowbirds”, making many new friends and reconnecting with some dear ones from their youth, especially lifelong friends Beryl and Ivan Britton. Together they enjoyed many great escapades and a great many “happy hours”.

Margaret always looked for the best in people and never said an unkind word about anyone. She was adventurous, resourceful, and kind. She and Dale were absolutely devoted to one another and always had a project on the go. They loved to build things together and completed many fine woodworking projects.

Margaret’s journey with Alzheimer’s began several years ago and Dale cared for her valiantly until she moved to long-term care last fall. Unable to bear separation from the love of his life, Dale joined her soon after. The family is grateful for the exceptional care Margaret received from all the staff at the Harris Unit of Swan Valley Lodge.

Margaret is survived by Dale, her loving husband of 66 years. She also leaves her children Brenda (Cristein), Michael and Diane; grandchildren Matthew (Jennifer), Josh (Umeko), Frances, Leland, Lola, and Harlan; as well as great grandchildren Charlie, Shayla, Ella, and Olivia. 

To honour Margaret’s wishes, there will be no service.

If desired, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of BC, #300 - 828 8th Ave. West, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1E2.

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