Obituaries

It is with great love and heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Lillian Ruth McInnis on Sunday, June 15, 2025, at the age of 94, with her beloved daughters, Suzanne and Cheryl, by her side. Ruth was the cherished wife of the late Eldon Smith McInnis, with whom she shared a beautiful marriage from 1952 until his passing in 2000. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure—first on the McInnis family farm in Lorneville, then at Imrie cottage property at Balsam Lake, and later in Lindsay, Ontario.

She was the devoted mother of Suzanne Lightfoot (Jeff) and Cheryl Smith (Wayne), and the loving grandmother of Samantha Margetson (Colby) and Nicholas (Antonia). Step grandmother to Carrie Alvarez (Smith). Ruth was also a proud and adoring great-grandmother to Miles and Beau Margetson, Sullivan Lightfoot, step great grandmother to Dylan, Sidney and Brayden. Her family was her pride and joy, and she poured her heart into every moment she spent with them. Ruth is predeceased by her siblings Marjorie Morrison (Stewart), Alex Imrie (Joan), and Hugh Imrie (Doris), and by her brother-in-law Lorne McInnis (Helen / Pearl) . She leaves behind her brother-in-law, Gordon McInnis (Elaine) and a large extended family, including many nieces and nephews, to whom she was affectionately devoted. Ruth made it a point to stay closely connected with each of them, delighting in regular calls, cards, and catch-ups. Ruth attended Lindsay Vocational Institute before going on to the Teachers College where she met lifetime friends. She taught school in Oakwood, Cannington and even a few days at Lorneville, where she made a lasting impression on her students and community. Ruth’s story with Eldon began through her brother Hugh, who was a close friend of Eldon's. Though she was three years younger, Ruth always said she “chased Eldon until he caught her.” Their love story spanned nearly five decades and was full of mutual respect, humour, and affection. She was endlessly curious and adventurous, traveling extensively across Canada and the United States in a truck and camper with Eldon, as well as to Florida, Europe, England, South America, and Korea. Her zest for life was matched only by her warmth and generosity. Ruth loved being a homemaker; her door was always open—especially at the beloved family cottage on Balsam Lake—where she hosted countless card games, lakeside visits, and impromptu gatherings. No one ever left her home hungry, and her cooking and baking were exceptional! Ruth loved her garden and her birds, and was a passionate fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Blue Jays, always hoping, with eternal optimism, that “next year” would be their year. In recent years, Ruth made her home at Adelaide Place, where she was warmly cared for and where her vivacious character continued to shine. A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, July 23 at 2:00 p.m. at Celebrations, 35 Lindsay St. North, Lindsay, ON. Ruth requested that guests avoid wearing black and instead bring their smiles and memories to share. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ruth’s memory may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, the Canadian Cancer Society, Ross Memorial Palliative Care, or a charity of your choice.