Dermott: Ruth Helen Florence,
Peacefully surrounded by the love of her family at Matthews House Hospice Alliston, on November 1, 2023. Ruth Dermott (nee: McClain) at the age of 82 years, beloved partner of Bill Zerback, and predeceased by loving husband Harold Dermott. Loving mother of Deborah Ellison (Brad), and Jim Dermott (Paula). Dearly loved grandmother of James (Constance), John (Emily), Jessica Ruth (Kyle), Calandra (Gavin), Travis (Katerina), and great grandmother of Arwen Ruth, Kieran, Anna, Lillie, Grace, Ben, Stirling, Georgia, Rosa Ruth, and a baby boy due in December. Predeceased by her sisters Betty Gordon (Murray), and Myrna (the late Wayne). Forever in the hearts of Chad Zerback (Kari) and Jody Zerback and their families. Dear aunt of Annette (Jeff), Terry (Becca), Ross, and the late Bonnie (the late John), and great aunt of Sophie, Oscar, and Ashley. Remembered with love by her extended family, godchildren, Legion family, and many friends.
A Celebration of Ruth’s Life will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion Tottenham Branch #329 (25 Richmond St. E. Tottenham, ON) on Saturday November 11, 2023 from 12pm to 4pm. With spoken Words of Remembrance at 1pm. In lieu of flowers donations in Ruth’s memory to Matthews House Hospice Alliston or the Tottenham Legion Branch #329 would be appreciated. Condolences may be left for the family at www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com.
Service
Celebration of Life
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 329
25 Richmond Street East
Saturday November 11, 2023
12:00pm - 4:00pm
Words of Remembrance
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 329
25 Richmond Street East
Saturday November 11, 20231:00pm
Mary Iskandar says
I’m so sorry to hear of Ruth’s passing.
My deepest condolences to Bill and all the family .
Ruth will be missed by all who knew her
Mary
Marc de la Bastide says
Dear Jim and Family,
So sorry to hear the news of Ruth’s passing. She was such a nice lady. Please accept our sincere condolences. She is in our thoughts and prayers.
Kim Millsop says
Jim, Paula and Family. I am so sorry to hear of your moms passing. It was so nice to speak with you Jim at hospice I just wish it was under better circumstances. Sorry I was not able to attend the celebration of life
Gary Hill says
So sorry for your loss my thoughts and prayers go out to the family
Kelly Mohr says
To Bill and all of Ruth’s family
Our deepest condolences to you on this profound loss. Ruth had a wonderful energy that drew people to her wherever she was. Her laugh was infectious and her love of life inspiring. We were blessed to have known her . Her memory will live on in the hearts of many in our community . May your stories and fond memories bring you comfort in the days and weeks to come.
Marg and Kelly Wickett (Mohr)
Karen and Eric Burgess says
To Bill and family,
Ruth was such a great example of how to live life to the fullest and she will be missed by so many. Sending love and prayers for all of you at this difficult time, Karen and Eric
Craig, Marjorie and family says
She will be missed. She was a lovely lady and a great ball player. Who handled all adversity with dignity.
Rita Taffs says
We are with you in spirit as you remember Ruth.
Such fond memories of a beautiful lady inside and out.
Rest Well Ruth. You will not be forgotten.
Rita, Phil and family xx
Ann Emmett says
To Bill and all Ruth’s family please accept my heartfelt condolences on your kiss
Mary Doldersum says
Dear Bill and Families
Ralph and I are so sorry to hear of Ruth’s passing.
She was a loving warm hearted lady!!
And our kids still talk about Dermott’s hardware store, as I’m sure every original Tottenhamite does.
The Doldersum Famy
Mike and Terrie (Fox) Hopper says
Our sincere condolences to the entire family of Ruth. She was part of our Villages family in Florida. Ruth touched many lives, and it has been such a pleasure, and indeed an honor, to have known this beautiful woman and soul. God bless.
Donna LeGrow says
Dear Bill, Jim, Debbie and families, We are deeply saddened to hear of Ruth’s passing. We are unable to attend the celebration of Ruth’s life. We send our sincere condolences, love and prayers.
Jim and Donna LeGrow
Sheila Kirkeby says
My deepest condolences to the family. Ruth was a wonderful joyful person. As many others we met through Baseball and as another Pitcher she gave me tips along the way. She was always a delight to be around. She will be missed by so many of us!
Susan Good says
To all who loved Ruth, we send our heartfelt condolences. She was a lovely person and we were honoured to have known her. Susie and Brian Good.
Theresa Murray says
So sorry to hear of Ruth’s passing she was a wonderful lady and friend. God bless
Ron & Theresa Murray
Ginny & Ivor Cathcart says
Dear Bill and families, we are so saddened by Ruth’s passing. Please accept our sincere condolences. Ruth and I played ball together and shared many wonderful and fun times over the years. She was an active community member who will be dearly missed.
Ron and Daphne Robinson says
Our deepest condolences to Bill and all of Ruth’s family. Ruth was such a wonderful person and was always smiling. We have many fond memories of her and she will be greatly missed by so many. RIP Ruth
Linda Begin says
We were sadden to hear about Ruth. She was a great lady and a heck of a great ball player.
Our sincere condolences to the family.
Regards
Roger and Linda begin
Velma Wace says
Ruth and I go back to baseball days when we formed a women’s Lob Ball Group. Harold was one of our coaches. Many happy memories together. May she Rest with the angels.
Susan Noonan says
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Ruth.
I have many fond memories of our baseball years. What a great pitcher she was. Always ready to go once on the ball field. We shared so many good times and laughs at the legion.
Mike & Sheri Thompson says
Ruth never left home without her glowing smile. She was a fantastic person who always greeted everyone with the largest smile and her outgoing personality and wit. She will be missed by all those who loved her, our condolences to all her friends and family.
Mike & Mary Di Lucia and Family says
Our sincerest condolences on the passing of Nana. We were blessed to have known her. She was a beautiful lady inside and out. May she rest in eternal peace. ❤️
Angus St.Croix says
Angus & Anne
Send our sincerest condolences to
The Dermott &
Bill Zerback families
Ruth will always have a place in our heart ♥
Bob & Pat Jackson says
Our sincere condolences to all of Ruth’s loved ones.
Ruth was a lovely person and will be missed by all who knew her. Rest in peace Ruth
Michael & Leta Larkin says
The first couple that Mike and I meet when we moved to Tottenham was Ruth and Harold Dermott. The smile on both their faces told us that we were home. Ruth was always such a kind soul and would bend backwards to get us anything we needed especially around Christmas Time when a lot of our shopping was down upstairs in their hardware store. It was called “Toyland”. Ruth you will be missed by all who knew you. Sending our love and thoughts to you Debbie, Jimmy, spouces, grandkids, etc. A big hug goes out to you Bill as you learn to live without your best friend and love of your life………Ruthie. God Bless.
Jim and Shirley Hanrahan says
To the Dermott and Zerback families,
Our sincere condolences on the news of Ruth’s passing. You are in our thoughts.
Susan and Mike Szczepankiewicz says
So Sorry for your loss, Ruth was great person, and she will be missed by all
Maureen McGoldrick says
Dear Jim, Deb, Bill and Family,
My deepest condolences on the loss of our beautiful Ruth. She was such a ray of sunshine who touch so many of our hearts over the years. Ruth will certainly be dearly missed by so many as she was certainly an icon in Tottenham who touch everyone’s heart with her wonderful sense of humor and her caring soul. May she finally rest in peace. Sending you my thoughts and prayers during these difficult days ahead. Hugs Maureen xoxoxo
Laurie Milmine (Wilcox). The Mill St. gang says
Bill,Debbie,Jim and extended family I am sending you my condolences on the passing of Ruth.I have many fond memories including sleep overs above the store, playing spoons card games and getting into trouble for Debbie and I bouncing our rubber balls off the funeral home wall.Sorry Rod we probably drove your dad to distraction.Ruth offered me much appreciated support and advise after the passing of my mother.Ruth was a well known pillar of Tottenham and will be missed by many.RIP Mrs Dermott
Debbie Ellison says
Thanks for sharing your memories Laurie. We sure had some fun times on Mill St. ❤️
Peggy Bower and Kelly Gauley and family says
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Ruth. Our condolence go to Bill Zerbeck and the Dermot family.
Marilyn & Jerry Bacic says
Bill and Dermott Family
We were so saddened to hear of Ruth’s passing.
We have fond memories of fun times we’ve had over the years.
Our thoughts are with all of you.
Marilyn & Jerry Bacic
Lou and Sue Conforti says
Dear Bill and family. Lou and I are saddened to hear of Ruth’s passing. Offering our most sincere condolences.
Ken and Brenda Parkes says
Dear Bill, Jim, Deb and family
We were truly saddened to hear of Ruth’s passing. She will certainly be remembered as a strong role model for her family. She dealt with adversity so calmly. Grey clouds may have been following her, but she would look up and see the sun. Her life is to be respected and applauded. We are all GONNA miss her. Thanks to Wordle Ruth and many of us did not realize that gonna was an actual word in the dictionary – and that too made her smile.
Maureen Ellison says
Dear Debbie and Jim, I’m so sorry for the loss of your Mom. She was a well loved and amazing lady who will be missed by many. Your many special memories will remain in your heart forever.
Ed and Irene McDowell says
Our deepest condolences to Bill and the Dermott family. Ruth was a wonderful lady.
Heather Kelly says
So sad to hear of Ruth passing. My deepest condolences to Bill & all of Ruth’s family. She will be greatly missed.
Kim Ellison says
To Jim and Family.
We are so sorry to hear of your mother’s, mother in law’s and grandmother’s passing. Remember all your good times together, to help you in this difficult time.
Kim & Jeannie Ellison
Kelly Sheehan says
So sorry for your loss. Remember she lives on in your hearts. Although I did not know Ruth for very long she had an amazing shining spirit. Rip.
Sandi & John Tessier says
Our sincere condolences to everyone. I was very saddened when I read this. Ruth you were a lovely lady an I still make your butter tarts, thanks again.
Marilyn Kamstra says
I was shocked to hear of Ruth’s passing! Both the Dermott’s and the Foresell’s part of the ‘back bone’ of Tottenham for ever so many years. It is difficult to lose those that were the reason that Tottenham was such a wonderful plave to live and raise your family. Deepest sympathy to Jim and Paula and family and to Debbie and Brad and family and to Bill and family who will so miss her. Tottenham has sadly lost one of her best. Marilyn Kamstra and Family
Alice & Barry Kant says
Alice & I offer our sincere condolences on Ruth’s passing. Such a pleasant lady. Last time we saw her was at Janet Carrick’s remembrance in Peterborough. Remember the good times.
Bob and Sue Bek says
Bill
Please accept our deepest condolences .
Bob and Sue Beck
Don Semple says
Jim
I am very sorry to hear of your mother’s passing.
We send our condolences and positive thoughts.
RIP Mrs Dermott
Don and Juan
tom and lena raterman says
Ruth is a great lady whose life has made the community a better place for everyone. Lena and I offer our condolences to family and friends who, like us, will miss her greatly.
tom and lena raterman
Roy Leblanc says
So sorry for your lost
Bob and Evy Vienneau says
Such sad news our deepest condolence to Bill and all the family. Ruth will surely be missed by many. I always enjoyed talking with Ruth of Tottenhams history and all of its people ,she had a lot of great stories and memories of the town she loved.
Vernon Burnie says
Condolences to the families of Ruth, nothing but fond memories, smiles, and a helping hand.
Marion and Marty. says
Saddened by this news thinking of you Bill and the family at this terrible loss. Thanks for the beautiful memories Ruth RIP.
Catherine and Jim Milbury says
Our deepest sympathy to the family, Ruth was a great lady.
Pat, Nancy, Gerry and Mary Forestell. says
Dear Debbie, Brad, Jim, Paula, and your families
Your Mom was an important part of our lives as we grew up in Tottenham. She was a great friend to our family and will be remembered deeply.
When we heard your mom had gone into palliative care the 4 of us reminisced about so many Tottenham times. with you and your family. For the Forestell “children ” your Mom will always be Mrs. Dermott – no matter how often she told us to call her Ruth.
With Dad, we have been looking at the pictures from the many house parties they had over the years- so much fun.
We all have such gratitude for the going away event your Mom and Bill organized for Dad when he left Tottenham. Dad followed your Mom on Facebook and was delighted with the happiness and adventures she had over the last decades.
Debbie Ellison says
Thanks to all the Forestells. We miss all the good old days. Thanks for sharing your thoughts of Mom. We will sure miss her.
Linda & Randy Bergeron says
Please accept our sincere condolences. We did not have the opportunity to get to know know Ruth well, but what we did know immediately was that she was an energetic and charming force of nature that could light up a room. She will be missed by many, especially her family.
marc ronan says
Deepest condolences to the entire Dermott and Zerback family on the loss of yet another Tottenham community leader. Ruth will be fondly remembered for her community spirit and local presence. May her beautiful children and grandchildren be her legacy. The Ronan’s
Cindy Brent and Mike and Chris says
Feeling so very sad for all of Ruth’s family! I don’t think there has ever been anyone who fought so hard and often as Ruth and, God love her, she still always had a smile! I will always remember all the good times we had around baseball, the legion and the girls Christmas parties to name but a few. She will certainly be missed by many. My heart goes out to Bill, Jim and Debbie and their families.
Tina Gaspich says
Jim, Debbie and family my deepest condolences to all of you on the passing of your mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. I have many fond memories of your mom and dad during our time in Tottenham. My favourite memory of your mom was back in 1972 when she helped me and my sisters pick out a Christmas gift for our mom – a harvest green fondue set – we were so excited and our mom displayed and used it proudly. RIP Mrs Dermott
Tina Gaspich (Sguigna)
Wendy Payne says
So sad to hear of Ruth’s passing but feel blessed to have known her. She was just a wonderful person and she meant a lot to me. She was so kind, generous and fun to be around. I will always remember our great times in Erie and how she always treated me like family. She will be missed. Sending my condolences and love to the family.
william hawkins & bev kerr says
Sad news but anticipated.Ruth was a lovely person and will be missed by many.Our sincere condolence Bill.
Bill Cranston & family says
So sorry to hear of Ruth’s passing. Glad that she is united again with Harold. Seems like such a short time ago, that we grew up together on Mill St. Your parents running the hardware store, that I visited at least once a week and was the core of ‘ old Tottenham’. Jimmy and Deb. and families, and Bill, so sorry for your loss. Great person, big loss, who ment so much to all of us, God Bless, RIP
Debbie Ellison says
Thanks Bill. I loved growing up on Mill St and it’s sad to lose Mom and one more connection to Tottenham. Thanks for sharing your memories of Mom and Dad. It means a lot.
John Stone and Family says
Our deepest condolences to all who loved Ruth.
I can picture her now like it was yesterday standing behind the counter patiently waiting for me to make my selection from the Matchbox rotisserie.
Then listening to the floor boards squeak as we walked to the back cellar stairwell to collect my new car.
Mrs. Dermott is an endearing part of great childhood memories in old Tottenham.
And I always got a kick out of her calling me ‘Johnston’, as it was what Mr. Dermott had always called me back in the day.
Debbie Ellison says
Those matchstick cars sure were popular! Thanks for sharing this memory John.
Please say hello to Bobby and David for me. They were closer to my age. Your Mom and Dad were special and so nice.
Valerie Dempsey & Susan says
Sending our most heartfelt sympathy to all family members and friends. We wish you comfort and strength. We will cherish and celebrate the memories of Ruth and hold them close to our hearts. “ When the heart grieves over what it has lost, the spirit rejoices over what it has left.” God Bless your family…Valerie Dempsey and mother Susan
Carol Fraser says
Pete and I were so sorry to hear that Ruth had passed away. Our 30 years in Tottenham living just around the corner from Ruth and Harold and Deb and Jim, were the best times of our young lives. Ruth was always to be admired, such a lovely lady and Harold unforgettable as the best hardware store around. We send hugs and sympathy to all who mourn the loss of this lovely lady.
Beverley Ney says
So sorry for your loss.
I have such fond memories of Ruth especially the fun we had in Juno/Jupiter Florida.
My thoughts and prayers to Bill and all of the family.
Hugs,
Beverley Lisk Ney
Ken and Bonnie Pratt says
To the Dermott family, and Bill, Ruth will be certainly missed in the Tottenham Community. Many of us built our homes and dreams with items from Harold and Ruth’s hardware store. The lost breed of store owners who worked tirelessly to befriend and serve customers who were soon to become lifelong friends. I always enjoyed seeing Ruth, helping her pester John Hab’s and catching up on all things hockey and around town. Bill you have lost a great life partner. Ken and Bonnie Pratt
Lori & Kevin Hollingshead says
Our deepest condolences to the Dermott family.. we all remember how Ruth was a pillar of the Tottenham community with her late husbands Hardware Store, Ruth was always smiling and friendly.. before we moved to N.B. We had the opportunity to say goodbye.. RIP Ruth.
Joan Gaudet (McGoey) says
Our deepest condolences to Debbie and Jim and your families. Ruth was so dear to our family. We remember the poker games, skidooing, the laughs, etc. She will be sadly missed. Joan Gaudet (McGoey) and Karl Gaudet.
Debbie Ellison says
Thanks Joanie, we did have lots of fun together. Miss you, Debbie
pat boland says
So sorry, Ruth was a wonderful part of the community, always smiling and happy. She will be missed.
Malcolm & Elsie Cleghorn says
So sorry to hear of Ruth’s passing. Ruth and Harold were two people that we came to know when Harold had the hardware store on Mill Street when we came to Tottenham in 1968. We were saddened when Harold passed away many years ago. Ruth is reunited with Harold. Rest in peace.
Laurie and Glenn Zavitz says
We were sorry to hear of Ruth’s passing. We have very fond memories of Ruth. Especially time spent with her in Florida at the Villages. She was always a lot of fun and an amazing lady that will be truly missed.
Laurie and Glenn
David and Ann Thorley says
To the Dermott and Bill Zerback Family
So sorry to hear of your Mothers Passing , we will always remember the great times we had with Ruthie and Bill going on Bike rides and fun at their home and Legion.
Bill we hope to be home for the celebration of Ruthie’s life, we are in Florida And then to the East Coast but we are thinking of all of you at this very sad time. Remembering all the great memories of your Mother and Ruthie will help ease the pain of losing your loved one
Ann and David Thorley