It is with heavy hearts the family of Ruth Lassiter announce her passing on Sunday, October 26th, 2025, at the Bassano Health Centre. Ruth was born on October 2nd, 1935, in Bassano, Alberta to Albert and Rosina (Schaffer) Meidinger. She recently celebrated her 90th birthday with her large extended family.

Ruth and her five siblings were raised in Bassano, where they attended the local school. She was a proud member of the BHS marching band which travelled all over Alberta. She worked at the family-owned restaurant and after graduation completed a comptometer course. Ruth shared fond memories of her father driving her to the train station for her Monday morning train ride to work at the Royal Bank in Calgary, always in a dress and high heels.

Ruth married Stan Lassiter on February 12th, 1955, in Bassano. They lived on the family farm in Makepeace until 1962 when they moved to town. They raised six children and were together for 67 years.

Ruth was an avid curler and sports fan and always enjoyed a bonspiel; Cluny, Brooks, Hussar, Gem, Patricia-game on. The highlight was meeting her idol, Kevin Martin. She never missed an opportunity to watch her children and grandchildren play baseball, volleyball, basketball, figure skate, or take a ride in the motorhome to a hockey game.

Farm life and raising six children kept her busy. A large family meant lots of family gatherings, meal planning, and cooking. No need for DoorDash. The harvest crew looked forward to opening their lunch boxes thoughtfully prepared by Ruth and welcomed the evening meals she delivered to the field. In later years, she worked at Naturmade Products assembling cake boards. She enjoyed this job as it allowed her to socialize with her many friends. She was a proud Life Member of Royal Purple.

She is survived by her six children: Barry (Leslie Hannah), Connie (Greg Long), Robert (Cheryl), Kent (Nancy), Brenda (Randy Johnson), and Darrel (Carrie), eleven grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren.

Simon (Nathalie) Isabella, Everly; Brandon (Ashlie) Henry; David (Robyn) Nolan, Marlee; Chase (Amanda) Arabelle, Haynes; Colton (Ashley), Brittany (Khim) Liam, Ariya; Payden (Christy) Rayne, Loki, Wrennyn; Adam (Shelby) Weston; Clayton (Jennica) Penelope, Clarke; Cody, Taylor (Sheldon). Let's not forget Jackie Brown (Jack) and her devoted niece Shirley Gosling.

Ruth was predeceased by her loving debater and soul-mate Stan, her parents, Albert and Rosie Meidinger, her brother Norman Art Meidinger (Elaine), sisters Florence Cowan (Ralph), Lorraine Shaw (Bruce), Verna Cotton (Wes), Doris Evans (Jerry Cote and Floyd) her nieces Gloria Shaw, Peggi Cowan and nephews Ralph Cowan Jr.and Leslie Meidinger.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Bassano Volunteer Fire Department, Brooks EMS, Bassano Hospital, Brooks Home Care, and the Playfair Lodge volunteers for the care they provided mom.

Our "Sweet Bassano Baby" will be dearly missed by many.

There will be a private family service in honour of mom. Services will be made will be livestreamed  on November 22nd, 2025 at 1:00 PM. Please follow the instruction on the Home screen of Smith Funeral Home Ltd. website to attend remotely.

If friends and family desire, memorial tributes can be made directly to the Heart and Stroke Foundation   Box 2414, Suite 1200 -2300 Yonge Street Toronto Ontario M4P 1E4

Cremation entrusted to and conducted at

Smith Funeral Home Ltd. and Crematorium, Brooks