Ruby Clouthier

Ruby Clouthier, age 66, passed away Tuesday, February 6, 2018 at the Cypress Regional Hospital, Swift Current. Ruby May Clouthier was born August 8, 1951 in Swift Current to Anton & Mary Nickel. She grew up on the family farm south of Main Centre, SK, the third of six children. Countless hours were spent playing hide and seek, tobogganing, and doing the variety of chores required of any farm child. Summer afternoons were spent swimming in the lake after spending hot mornings weeding the garden. Ruby taught herself to play the guitar when she received for her birthday.

Ruby graduated from Herbert High School in 1969 and worked in Saskatchewan and Alberta before starting her career at the Palliser Regional Care Centre in Swift Current. She worked in the laundry and kitchen until she had to go on disability. Failing kidneys led to a diagnosis of multiple myeloma in January 2001. A successful bone marrow transplant one year later left her cancer in remission — her kidneys, however, never recovered, and she remained on dialysis until her passing. On September 7, 2002 Ruby married Jack Clouthier in Swift Current. Ruby enjoyed listening to music, especially any band Jack played in (Bakersfield and Trick Ryder). Johnny Reed was one of her favourites, she was thrilled to meet Mel Tillis at the Craven Country Jamboree and have her picture taken with him. 

Jack & Ruby loved fishing and camping, in 2004 they took a camping trip down east to visit Jack’s family.  An avid supporter of the Swift Current Wildlife Federation, she served as treasurer for a few years and proudly presented the Jack Clouthier Memorial Award to its recipients. Ruby loved auctions — she worked as a clerk before running the concession at Neufeld Auctions for several years. Ruby had a servant’s heart and enjoyed being a greeter at East Side Church of God, making those who attended feel welcome and at home. She also volunteered at The Center, a place for youth to gather in the city, when her health permitted.

Ruby loved her cats, all of her “fur babies” had the best home any pet could ask for. She enjoyed cooking and baking, as evidenced by her recipe book collection — her latest passion was printing off every recipe she wanted to try and organizing them in binders. Many of those recipes were shared for her friends to enjoy. She canned fruits and veggies and making jelly from the cherries grown in her back yard. The best gift was some of her homemade preserves or baking. Ruby enjoyed having coffee and visiting with friends and cousins. She was excited to get an iPhone so she could FaceTime with her family.

Ruby leaves to mourn Chantal Clouthier, Melanie (Michel Pilon) Clouthier, and Justin (Karyna Leveris) Clouthier; grandchildren, Jonah, Caitlyn, and Alex Pharand, Evan and Ryan Pilon, Sam (Mario Pinard) Pilon, and Jack and Ashton Clouthier; great-grandchildren, Caleb and Zoe; brother, Marvin (Lenora) Nickel; sisters, Marlene Zentner, Evelyn Nickel, Ivy Tait, and Bea (Mike Marleau) Nickel; and by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Ruby was predeceased by her spouse, Glen James (June 1995); her husband, Jack Clouthier (June 2006); her parents, Anton (2004) & Mary (1990) Nickel; half-brothers, Peter Nickel and John Nickel; brother and sister-in-law, Len Zentner and Sharon Nickel; niece, Lorraine Nickel; and by a nephew, Joshua Tait. “Ruby touched many lives in her 66 years and will be greatly missed. We are comforted knowing that she is safely home in heaven with her Saviour, no longer suffering, and at peace.”

The Celebration of Life for Ruby Clouthier was held on Thursday, February 22, 2018 at 2:00 pm from East Side Church of God, Swift Current, SK with Pastor Dave Smith officiating. “Blessed be Your Name,” “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us,” and “Through it All” were sung by the congregation under the leadership of Pastor Dave Smith, with Verna Martens serving as pianist. Tributes were given by Chantal, Melanie, and Justin Clouthier, followed by a photo presentation. The eulogy was given by Ivy Tait, with Bea Nickel giving a reading. The ushers in the church were Keith Trent, Pat Merlin, Nicole Hudec, and Skip Neufeld. Honorary Pallbearers were all those who shared in Ruby’s life. 

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