Ruth Ellen (Lewis) Kierstead, loving wife of Ronald Kierstead of 66 years, passed away peacefully at Mount St. Joseph and formerly of Douglastown, New Brunswick in her 89th year – 5 days short of her 90th birthday.

Ruth was the daughter of the late Hugh and Hazel (Williston) Lewis.  Born in Escuminac, New Brunswick on August 6, 1935.  She was the last surviving member of her family.

She is survived by her husband, Ronald; daughter, Shawna and son, Paul (Elvie); seven grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her parents, daughter, Kimberley, sisters: Eva (Ken) Wilkinson and Bertie (Theodore) Fowlie, brothers: John and Kenneth.

Ruth graduated from Soldiers Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, in Campbellton, New Brunswick in 1958.  She was a member of Ever True Rebecca Lodge #65.  She was an active member of St. Mark’s United Church, Douglastown, member of the church choir, U.C.W and several other committees.  

She volunteered for many years at Gretna Green Elementary School Library.  In recognition of her dedication the school library was named the Ruth Kierstead Resource Center.

Ruth spread love and laughter wherever she went.  One good person can touch more hearts than we’ll ever know.

She truly loved outdoor activities, enjoyed walking with her friends.  In her earlier years she helped with the Miramichi Ski Club Jack Rabbit Program. We jokingly said that she was like American Express, you didn’t leave home without her.  She loved being on the back of a snowmobile, motorcycle or ATV, but her favorite was the snowmobile.

Ruth enjoyed going to the camp, mention it and she was ready to go – just a little more packing.  This was where she enjoyed the ATV and picking raspberries, always on the lookout for bears.

Ruth lived for 3 ½ years at Mount St. Joseph and while there she made many close friends with residents and staff.  We extend a very heartfelt thank you to the wonderful loving and caring staff in the Memory Care Unit and Fourth Floor who made our journey so much easier.

Visitation will be held at St. Andrew’s United Church, 188 Wellington, St., Miramichi on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, from 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM and the funeral service will follow at 3:00 PM from the church with The Reverend Charlene Maguire MacKnight officiating.  Interment will be in St. Mark’s United Cemetery, Miramichi.

As expressions of sympathy, donations to Mount St. Joseph would be appreciated by the family.

Arrangements are entrusted to Adams Funeral Home Ltd., 140 King St., Miramichi, telephone (506) 773-3492.  Additionally, messages of condolence may be shared online at www.adamsfh.ca