Ruth Ellen BENNY

My dearest Ruth…such a wonderful age, .. your musical achievements will always be remembered. What a privilege to have you play the organ at our Wedding. Your great nephews Max and Blane. In Australia, and your great niece India in England will always recall you with love and affection.. 🙏🏼 “Rest in Peace and Rise in Glory..”

To Stephen,
My condolences on the passing of your mum, she was an amazing woman.
My thoughts are with you

Loving thoughts to Ruth's family.
We had some wonderful conversations at the dining table with Ruth & Robert

Lovely memories of a lady whose company I always enjoyed.

Rest in peace Gran, thank you for the wonderful childhood memories down in Ashburton - the never ending supply of baking, trips to clock hammer boom and the domain, just to name a few. You’ll be with Harley now so I’m sure you’ll be busy up there. You really were the coolest Gran, and I love you very much.

I want to acknowledge Mum, for bringing me up from the age of 12 to 19 years, for all the great meals and baking, always a pudding at night, i will never forget them , always with cream , loved the times we went on picnics, she was a great step mum and did the best she could, lots of good memories .... she is at peace now

My wonderful Ood, you embraced the name we called you and one that children know you by too. Wonderful childhood memories of Ashburton in the summer and riding on the back of your scooter. I always wished I could play piano as well as you could. Thank you for always being there for me, replying to all my letters I sent when I left to live in Australia… ( plus correcting my spelling mistakes)… my next visit to New Zealand won’t be the same without a chat with you. Plus you have set the bar pretty high at 103 years. Rest in peace. xx

The few words I write here can´t fully capture my grandmother, Ruth, or her amazing life.

Growing up, I honestly thought Gran was "Super Gran." She was the only grandmother I knew who zipped around on a scooter, and her English accent sounded to me like the Supergran on TV (which I now know was Scottish). It was a belief that was hard to shake when Gran, well into her 90s, mastered the ability to send text messages, before at least one of her children.

Gran was excellent at keeping in touch, and her letters arrived regularly, written with her signature blue fountain pen in handwriting that could sometimes be tricky to read. After I moved overseas, she continued her correspondence, sending me regular letters, newspaper clippings, and small items to remind me of home, such as cards from Weet-Bix packets, along with my annual New Zealand calendar.

I wouldn´t be where I am today without Gran. Her stories about growing up in England and her later year long adventure in the UK inspired me to move here and make it my home.

I will miss Gran´s warm voice, her humour, and her endless stories. I learnt so much from her from her including the difference between Cornish and Devonshire teas. We are all so lucky to have had her with us for so many years.

Dear Gran
I have so many fond memories of my time with you. Thank you for the hours spent by the piano (with me and then your great grandchildren), the cooking wisdom and being a constant positive presence in my life.
My graduation dinner with you is still legendary and my friends and I will always remember you as a rock star.
Rest in peace grandma.xxx

Dear Great Grandma Ruthie
Thank you for playing the piano for us.
You were very good.
We will miss you.
Love Zara and Jack xxx