Ruth Dugdale
December 27, 1950 – August 17, 2026
Ruth Dugdale, a woman of remarkable accomplishments, immeasurable love and steady faith, passed away peacefully at the hospice in Little Current, Manitoulin Island, Ontario, surrounded by her family on Monday, August 17, 2026, at the age of 75.
Born and raised in Lanark, Ontario, in the old family house on the hill, Ruth was the daughter of the late Arthur Dugdale and Jean Avery. She grew up with a lifelong love of books, church, and enduring friendships. A bright and curious student, she graduated from Macdonald College, in Montreal, with her teaching degree.
Ruth followed her passion for education to the Gaspé Coast, where she began her teaching career and met her husband, Billy Court. They married in 1973 and built a beautiful life together, raising two sons, Arden and Aaron and making cherished homes in New Carlisle, Hope Town and Paspébiac. Ruth was warmly welcomed into Billy’s family, particularly by his mother, Mona Court, who became a close and loving part of her life.
As her boys grew, Ruth’s love of travel blossomed. She shared many adventures with a close-knit circle that included her mother, Jean; her sister, Anne; her aunt-in-law, Bessie Court; and her dear friend Ruth Starnes. In retirement, Ruth continued to travel the world, thoughtfully organizing trips and creating memories with the people she loved.
Ruth was a pillar of the local school community, shaping young minds at New Carlisle High School, Shigawake-Port Daniel School and beyond. Former students fondly remember her as the teacher who made them feel truly seen, bringing a calm presence and beloved stories to her classrooms.
At home, we appreciated as sons (but only when we matured) how miraculously Mom could get up every morning, make us lunch, go to teach for the day (and teach well), make a delicious hot meal every night, wash all the dishes, do marking and lesson planning and then simply be present and loving. She made it look effortless.
Ruth lived her life by three simple virtues: faith, hope, and love. Her faith was beautifully expressed through her love of music. She loved playing the organ and piano for her church on Sundays, but also at home and especially at Christmas time. She was an avid reader, a passionate fan of C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Nar nia, and a devoted Jeopardy viewer who rarely missed an episode. She also adored playing cards—especially cribbage, 500, and Canasta— sharing countless laughs around the card table with dear friends like Charlie and Gertie, and Allan and Colette.
Ruth shared a particularly close bond with her sister, Anne. They were best friends who travelled the world together, taking many cruises and sharing adventures, including trips to China and Germany, where they attended the Passion Play in Oberammergau. Both loved to learn and laugh, and Ruth especially enjoyed the good-natured banter she shared with her brother-in-law, Gordon MacWhirter. Their friendship was a cherished part of Ruth’s life.
Ruth also found companionship and love again later in life, sharing eight wonderful years of marriage with her husband, Jim Wilkin. Together, they travelled extensively, spending winters in Florida and Ecuador, enjoying many cruises and making lasting friendships along the way. In 2025, Ruth and Jim embarked on a three month world cruise, visiting places many of us only dream of seeing. Ruth also formed wonderful relationships with Jim’s five siblings and their wives, who quickly became special friends and an important part of her life. Even during her courageous battle with ALS, Ruth maintained her profound dignity, her tender sense of hu mour, and her trademark way of expressing love through a gentle squeeze of the hand.
In her later years, Ruth found immense happiness when she was blessed with four grand daughters. Having raised two sons, she embraced being “Grandma” with special, joyful pride. Her granddaughters were always the very first topic of conversation whenever she met people, as she was just so proud of them. Ruth visited the girls often, constantly organizing fun activities, special outings, and travel adventures for them. She was extremely supportive and loving, and the girls always felt that Grandma was the absolute best listener in the world.
Ruth was predeceased by her brother, David Dugdale and sister, Anne MacWhirter (Dugdale).
Ruth leaves behind a rich legacy. Her memory will forever be carried in the hearts of her beloved husband, Jim Wilkin; her loving children, Arden (Haley) and Aaron (Nicole); her adoring grand daughters, Macy, Hannah, Emma, and Tessa; and brother, Bob (Gayle), along with many extended family members, former students and lifelong friends.
The family received condolences starting at 10 a.m. on Friday, August 21, at Little Current United Church (5 W. Robinson Street, Little Cur rent, Ontario). A funeral service celebrating her life followed at 11 a.m. A luncheon was held immediately after the service.
On Sunday, October 4, family and friends will gather to honour and remember Ruth. Guests are invited to meet at Timber Run Golf Course (154 Caldwell St., Lanark, Ontario) at 12:30 p.m., before proceeding to Playfair Cemetery for a service at 1 p.m. An Italian buffet featuring Ruth’s favourite cuisine will follow at Timber Run at 2 p.m. Following the luncheon, guests will gather at the House on the Hill to share memories, spread Ruth’s ashes, and plant a lilac tree in her honour.
The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the nurses, doctors, and hospice staff in Little Current, the medical teams in Sudbury, and the Ottawa ALS staff for their exceptional compassion. Special thanks to her personal physicians for their dedicated care.
In lieu of flowers, Ruth requested that donations be made in her memory to the ALS Society of Canada (180 Bloor Street West, Suite 500, Toronto, ON, M5S 2V6,) or to a charity of your choice. Professional services have been entrusted to Island Funeral Home in Little Current.
A bursary in Ruth and her sister Anne’s names will be established next year for a BCRS student who has faced and overcome significant challenges and obstacles and is pursuing post-secondary studies.
So sorry to hear of Ruth’s passing. My condolences to the family. Ruth and I were friends back in the days when we lived on Mill St. In Lanark Village. Many hours were spent traveling back and forth between our two houses. We shared many great times together. She is in my prayers as well as her family.