April 30, 1923 – January 28, 2023
It is with saddened hearts that we announce the passing of our dear mother at the age of 99 at the Collingwood General & Marine Hospital surrounded by family. She was born to parents Ada and George Pridham (predeceased) of Brentwood, Ontario. Loving and devoted wife to Archie Culham (predeceased) for 63 years. Loving mother of Lynda Blackwell (predeceased), Fred Culham and daughter-in-law Elena; and Susan Faulkenham and son-in-law René. Dear grandmother to Lynda’s children Jennifer (Ron) and Jamie (Alison), Fred’s children Michelle, Dayana (Taylor) and Susan’s children Michael (Yu) and Steven (Jessica). Dear great-grandmother to Brittlyn, Caleb (Olivia), Alex, Elizabeth, Josh, Sasha, Alexis, Mia, Angelica, Theo and Linkon.
Ruby enjoyed a wonderful life with Archie. They loved to travel our North American Continent. They first shared a life of farming in Sunnidale. They then went into the store and gas station business, “One Stop Shop” at Sunnidale Corners. After 10 years there with Esso, they semi-retired to Wasaga Beach where they both dabbled in jobs to fill the time – Ruby at Dahl’s in Collingwood and Archie at Wasaga Marina. Their most wonderful life choice was made when Ruby and Archie became lighthouse keeper at Flower Pot Island, Georgian Bay. It was a place where they welcomed hundreds of family and friends and were host to thousands of tourists visiting the island. It was a place we as their family were able to make many lasting memories together and we referred to as paradise. Ruby and Archie retired from Flower Pot Island in 1988 and resided back in Wasaga Beach for a short time. They then moved to the Galleries in Collingwood. Five years after Archie passed away, Ruby chose to reside at Bay Haven Retirement Lodge where she remained until her recent passing. Ruby made the most of everywhere she lived and really appreciated the independence that Bay Haven Retirement Lodge afforded her into her remaining years and days. Ruby was able to physically and mentally carry out all of her own affairs right up until the remaining week of her life. She remained very aware of all world current events and participated thoughtfully in conversations of the same.
Ruby will be missed greatly by all that knew her, including her many nephews and nieces. Many thanks go to the staff and owners of Bay Haven Retirement Lodge for making Ruby’s remaining seven years possible in her home and assisting her to maintain the dignity and grace of her independence. Many thanks to the wonderful and exceptional care given to Ruby and Archie over the years by Dr. Gandhi. Special thanks to the doctors and staff of the surgical floor at Collingwood General & Marine Hospital for providing thorough, thoughtful and loving care in Ruby’s final days.
As per Ruby’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a graveside gathering of immediate family will take place “on some nice warm spring day” at the Stayner Union Cemetery. In memory of Ruby, donations to the Collingwood General & Marine Hospital Foundation in her name would be appreciated. To sign her Book of Memories, please visit www.carruthersdavidson.com