In Loving Memory of Ruth Kierstead, R.N.

1935 – 2025

Ruth Ellen (Lewis) Kierstead, R.N., 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; as well as 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, and 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.  Of the many activities at the Mount, Ruth's favorite was the music times. She loved music and dancing, especially when the fiddlers played the old time waltz, we couldn't hold her back. 

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 was held at St. Andrew’s United Church, 188 Wellington, St., Miramichi, New Brunswick, on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM, and the funeral service followed at 3:00 PM from the church, with The Reverend Charlene Maguire MacKnight as Officiant.  Interment was in St. Mark’s United Cemetery, Miramichi, New Brunswick.

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

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

"Where Dedicated People Care"

Est. 1956