Ruth Mae Rehkopf, of Normanby Township, peacefully went to her Heavenly Home at Walkerton Hospital on Monday February 19, 2024 and was reunited with family and friends.

She was born on January 29, 1939 across the road from what would become her lifelong home at Lazy Maple Farm.

Beloved mother of Carolyn & Ken Kestner and Rob & Christine Rehkopf. Much loved grandmother of Shannon & Dennis Griem and Bryon and Kerry Kestner. Adored great-grandma of Madeline Griem and Kaylee Kestner. Proud honorary grandma of Charlotte Thomsen and Godmother of Grant Logie and Darlene Divers. Also survived by brother Gerald & Jean Horst and sister-in-law of Eileen Rehkopf.

Preceded by her parents Noah & Emeline (Hartman) Horst; her beloved husband, Aaron (2002); and family Lloyd & Marilyn Horst, Marvin & Marjorie (Horst) Losch, Hiram Rehkopf, Willard Rehkopf and Dan & Rose Rehkopf.

Ruthie Mae always had the welcome mat out for everyone. The farm was the gathering place and she could always make room for another person at the table. The pantry was always full with the fruits labors and her hard work in the gardens.

Ruthie Mae helped feed the Neustadt Lions Club twice a month for 47 years, retiring only in 2022 when her health intervened.

There are many people in our community and around the world, through the Operation Christmas Child program, who have been recipients of her handiwork, knitting, crocheting or quilting.

Ruthie Mae loved music, singing in church, community and the Co-op Choirs.

She was a woman of strong faith. She was an active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Neustadt, and the ELW and interchurch activities such as World Day of Prayer.

Her passing will leave a huge hole in the life of many people.

Visitation will be held at Mighton Funeral Home, Hanover on Monday, February 26, 2024 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. A Funeral Service will be held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church – Neustadt on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at 11 am. Spring interment in St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery.

 

Lunch will follow at the Neustadt Community Centre.

If so desired, donations in honor of Ruthie Mae to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Neustadt or the future Saugeen Hospice would be appreciated by the family.

Ruthie Mae may have left this world but she will live in our hearts forever.