Ruth Mae Kavanaugh (Nee Horne)

July 12, 1928 - June 21, 2023
In loving memory ~
Kavanaugh, Ruth Mae (nee Horne) passed away peacefully on June 21, 2023 at Princeton General Hospital.
Ruth was predeceased by her husband Michael ("Mac") Kavanaugh (August 18, 1992.)
Ruth is survived by son Barry (Cindy) of Tulameen and daughter Elaine (Jim) of Merritt, she has 5 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.
Ruth was born July 12, 1928 in Saskatoon Saskatchewan.
Her family moved to Vancouver in 1931, they lived in Marpole and then New Westminster where her father established Horne's bakeries. She also resided in Prince George, Penticton, Trail and Oliver before she and Mac moved to Princeton in 1970 to start their business, Mac's Auto Parts Ltd, opening on March 13, 1970, Mac's 47th birthday. Thanks to strong community support, the business grew over the years and Barry took over in 1991, operating it until the present.
Ruth had numerous interests - gardening, reading, music, and writing but her main source of pleasure was painting - a lifelong hobby. She attended most painting courses offered in town and always encouraged others to do so. A good laugh or joke would make her day. She greatly valued her family and friends, and always had a "doggy " companion, being a lifelong member of the Penticton SPCA. Canasta, scrabble games and photography were other interests. When Vermillion Court opened in 1997, Ruth volunteered to play the organ for the twice-weekly adult day program and exercise time- they were her "captive audience" she said and she played every Tuesday and Thursday for 21 years, resigning on June 10, 2018.
Ruth loved the colours and scenery of the Similkameen area and many of her paintings were acquired by local residents or donated to various groups for fundraising.
Internment is to be in the family plot at Princeton Cemetery.
A memorial service for family and friends will be held at Ruth's home, 140 Vermilion Avenue on Thursday, June 29, 2023 from 1:00 to 3:00 with Pastor Jim Caruso officiating.
Those wishing to remember Ruth may donate to Princeton General Hospital or Princeton Community Food Bank
Grateful thanks to Dr. Munro and the staff at Princeton Hospital and all those who were there for her in so many ways throughout her life.