Sandra (McGowan) Ruffle

Sandra “Sandy” Leslie Ruffle (née McGowan)
Born: June 28, 1947 — Edmonton, Alberta
Died: February 13, 2026 — Evansburg, Alberta

We are heartbroken to announce the unexpected but peaceful passing of our mom at home on February 13, 2026, at the age of 78.

Mom was born in Edmonton, the eldest of six children. Her dad was in the army and after a few years in Edmonton, they moved to Germany and returned to Canada where the family moved to Calgary in 1956, where Mom grew up in the former Currie Barracks. She always held a deep affection for Calgary and carried many fond memories of her childhood there. As a young girl, she used to say she wished she were an only child — that changed entirely as she grew older and came to understand what a gift it was to have so many siblings.

Family was everything to Mom. She always cherished time together and often spoke of fond memories spent with her sisters, brothers, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was a doting wife, loving Mom, and the best hugger her kids and grandkids could have ever asked for. Mom adored many pets over the years especially her beloved dog Bear and her cat Monty, whose companionship provided warmth and happiness.

Mom was an excellent cook, even though she claimed to hate cooking. Everything she did was with intention and care. Her handwriting was beautiful and she loved to laugh, bringing joy to those around her wherever she went. With a tender heart, she was a very caring person for those she loved. She was charmingly superstitious; she loved scary movies; she loved music, especially the oldies, Neil Young’s Harvest Moon, and George Harrison. She made a bed perfectly, folded towels with precision, ironed anything even if it didn’t need it, and had a knack for sewing if she had too. She loved pretty things — jewellery, nail polish, sunflowers, hummingbirds, and the colours pink and blue. She liked to do puzzles and loved the friendly competition of a game of Scrabble and Crib and found endless comfort and joy in reading. She was Andrea and Andrew’s biggest cheerleader and #1 fan.

Mom travelled throughout her life, visiting both the west and east coasts of Canada, exploring BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan as well as the United States, Mexico, and England. Every summer Mom looked forward to her annual “girls’ trip” with her sisters Pat and Karen – moments filled with laughter, stories, casinos, and thrift stores.

Missing her beyond measure are her husband Bill of 50 years; her favourite daughter Andrea (Stephen); and her favourite son Andrew (Krista). She leaves behind her cherished and much-loved grandchildren Anthony (Fiona), Zoe, Bennett, Ethan, and Lowen, and her great‑granddaughter Harper. She is also mourned by her sister and best friend Patricia; sister Karen (Kim); sister Donna; brother Ken (Dawna); brother Dan (Heather); special niece Jennifer and great niece Abigail, who mom adored after spending much time with them while visiting Pat. Mom leaves behind her Uncle Stan (Pat) and Aunty Jackie, as well as Bill’s siblings in England — Dilys, Linda (Mike), Jon (Krisha), and Jamie (Carol) — and many other nieces, nephews, and other large extended family members and friends too numerous to name.

Mom was predeceased by her parents Leslie ‘Bud’ (d. 2008) and Louise (d. 1975).

The family would like to thank the Evansburg RCMP and Ambulance team for their compassion, and Town and Country Funeral Services, Evansburg, for their care and arrangements. Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will follow at a later date to honor and remember our beautiful Mom.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to STARS Air Ambulance, an organization close to Mom’s heart.

“Mom is wisdom, Mom is heart, Mom is home. If I ever do anything good in this world, it’s because she taught me how. We grieve for who we love.”

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