Ruby Ione Hodgson (nee Gronsdahl) was born on March 15, 1932, the daughter of Almer and Hulda Gronsdahl, on a farm near Norquay, SK. Ruby was the fourth oldest in a family of twelve children. After completing her high school education, she moved to Saskatoon to complete her nursing assistant course. She was employed by the Saskatchewan Tuberculosis Sanatorium in Saskatoon, SK. Following her marriage to Gregg Hodgson on October 3, 1953, the couple made their home in Saskatoon. Later they moved to Kindersley, SK, where their daughter, Janet was born. Several years later they moved to Yorkton, and three more children were welcomed into the family; Kevin, Paulette and Rodney. With four young children and pets, it was a busy household. Many happy summers were spent at their cabin at Crooked Lake. As the children grew up, Ruby gained employment at the Yorkton Mental Health Unit. She enjoyed her work and helping people. Following retirement, Ruby wanted to open her own business and returned to school to become a Remedial Massage Therapist, graduating in 1986. She helped many people over the years with their health issues and enjoyed the many friendships she made. She attended many continuing education classes through the years and enjoyed learning. Nan, as she was most often called, was well loved by her family. The grandkids adored their Nan. She always found time to be with them and tell them stories about her life. Ruby often cooked them up big breakfasts of bacon and eggs. Over the years, she attended their Christmas Concerts, football and hockey games, piano and dance recitals, and of course, their birthdays. She often slipped them a few bucks when no one was looking. Nan often said, "I'm for the kids" and in her eyes they could do no wrong. She would often refer to the grandchildren as, "My T-man, my Kelly, my Tannis, my Matthew, my Joel or my Joshua".聽 Most recently, Ruby said, "my baby", when referring to her great-granddaughter, Paige. She thought of Amber and Arlen as her grandchildren as well. Nan was very welcoming and always had the coffee pot on. She was happy, positive and loved to have fun. She would always say, "you betcha" or "more is better". Her hobbies included enjoying time at her cabin at Crooked Lake, fishing, swimming, trips to Minot, Hawaii, California, Las Vegas and England. However, she treasured her time spent at home and in her garden. Ruby really had a green thumb. An avid Yorkton Terriers fan, Ruby attended the hockey games on a regular basis for many years. She would cheer loudly when they scored a goal, and even brought a crow call to some of the games to cheer them on. Ruby enjoyed home renovations, shopping and sitting around a fire pit. Two special events she was proud of, was her water skiing adventures and going up in a hot air balloon ride with Gregg. Ruby leaves to cherish her memory, her husband, Gregg; daughter, Janet (Jim) Gorman and their family, Tyler (Amber) and Paige, Tannis (Arlen) and grandson, Joel; son, Kevin and his son, Joshua; Paulette (Charles) McDonald and their family, Kelly and Matthew; son, Rodney (Ann); her step-mother, Martha; four brothers, Milton, Doug (Mary), Gary (Elsie), Alvin (Audrey);聽 two sisters, Eunice Godlien and Merle Johnson; sisters-in-law, Frances Ness, Vivian Gronsdahl and Hilda Gronsdahl as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Nan will be well loved and remembered by her entire family. A Service to Celebrate Ruby's life was held on Monday, February 8, 2016 from the Chapel of Christie's Funeral Home in Yorkton, SK with Kathy Novak serving as the Funeral Celebrant. The soloist, Amanda Buhler, shared two selections, "Just a Closer Walk With Thee" and "Whispering Hope". The Cremation Committal followed in the Yorkton City Cemetery with Ruby's oldest grandchild, Tyler Gorman serving as the urn bearer. All of her remaining grandchildren, Amber Gorman, Kelly McDonald, Matthew McDonald, Tannis Gorman & Arlen Harrison, Joshua Hodgson and Joel Gorman and her great-granddaughter, Paige Gorman were named as honourary pall bearers. Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
