Ruth Reta Binks (nee Sinclair)

Sadly, our beloved, Ruth Binks (née Sinclair), 94, of Huntsville, Ontario, passed away on December 25th, 2024 after a number of years of diminishing health. Ruth was born on August 30, 1930, to William and Bertha Sinclair in Toronto, Ontario.

 After graduating from Huntsville High School, Ruth went on to work in Toronto, Ontario as an operator for Bell Canada. Eventually, she attended Normal School (Teacher's College) in North Bay and finally ended up teaching for the Rainbow Public School Board in St. Catharines, Ontario, where she met her future husband, Mal Binks. They wed on August 18th, 1956.  On that day, Ruth and Mal started a life together and remained next to each other until her death.

Ruth was predeceased by her parents William and Bertha, as well as her sister, Alberta. She is survived by her husband, Reverend Mal Binks, daughter Mary (Jeff Huska), son Andrew, and Mary and Jeff's children Jonathan, Patrick (Manon) and Elizabeth. Ruth also leaves behind a brokenhearted, supportive group of relatives, including nephews and countless supportive friends.

Ruth was a loving wife and mother who kept a strong faith in her Anglican community, volunteering throughout her life including the Auxiliary Christian Women's association at St. George's Anglican Church in St. Catharines and All Saints Anglican Church in Huntsville. Ruth also was a volunteer Director of the St. Catharines YWCA, and volunteered with the Huntsville Horticultural and Agricultural Societies and the Huntsville Hospital Auxiliary.

She had an impact on each person she interacted with. Ruth and Mal continued her family’s tradition of entering the Royal Winter Fair where the won many prizes for their award-winning potatoes.

She was a strong and supportive parental figure to, not only her two children, but as primary school teacher to her many students, whom she helped get started on a life of curiosity of the world including an appreciation of music. She lived her life to the fullest with her family by her side. Her greatest joys were her family and the family farm in Huntsville, where her family contributed to the development of the farming community in Muskoka, for which her father, William Sinclair, was presented with the Governor General's Award. 

Two events will honour Ruth's life:

A funeral service at All Saints' Anglican Church, 30 High Street, Huntsville on Friday, January 3rd, 2025, at 11am.

A spring interment will be held at All Saints' Anglican Cemetery in Huntsville, Ontario, with a reception to follow, details to be posted when confirmed.

 All will be welcome to attend both events. 

The family is grateful for the kindness and support provided by the teams at Roger's Cove Retirement Home, Huntsville, Ontario, as well as Huntsville District Memorial Hospital. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.