Obituary of Ruth Stenzel

It is with deep sorrow that we mourn the passing of our mother Erika Ruth Stenzel on Sunday January 14, 2024, in her 93^rd year peacefully at her residence at Albright Manor in Beamsville.

Predeceased by her husband of 61 years Helmuth (2015).  Loving mother to her three boys Robert (Nancy), Randy (Tammy), and Michael (Tina).  She will be greatly missed by her eight grandchildren, Trisha, Andrew, Brittany, Monica, Mariah, Amber, Dalhia, and Kendra, along with nine great-grandchildren, Jayden, Sebastian, Luna, Chloe, Lincoln, Ethan, Lily, Milo, and Audrina.  Lovingly remembered as sister-in-law to Alex (Irma), Herbert (Rosemarie) & nieces and nephew Christine, Richard, Catherine, and Paula, all of whom she cared for dearly.

Born in Tilsit, East Prussia, on February 12, 1931, to Johann and Maria Tolkendorf, she was an only child however she was like a sister to her close cousin Erika. She lost her mother when she was 8 years old, shortly before WW2, being raised by her father and many aunts.  Throughout the war she was forced to move around until be evacuated back to Germany.  She immigrated to Regina Saskatchewan, Canada in the early 50’s to be with and eventually marrying Helmuth. 

They owned many homes in Regina before taking a stab at farming for 3 years in Wakerton Ontario. While briefly working as a hairdresser in Regina she made a lifetime friend in Josie. She had a passion for gardening with a gifted green thumb, along with making her own dresses just like her mother had.  They finally settled down in Beamsville where Helmuth built their forever home for just over 50 years.

The family will honour her life with a brief visitation at Tallman Funeral Homes, 3277 King Street, Vineland on January 19^th, 2024  from 10-11 a.m. followed directly by a funeral service in the chapel.  An Interment at Mount Osborne will be held at a latter date.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer Society, Heart and Stroke or to a charity of your choice, would be greatly appreciated.

She is forever in our hearts, never to be forgotten.