Nora Rutley

Nora Rutley of Ochre River, MB passed away on Saturday, December 8th, 2018 at the Dauphin Regional Health Centre at the age of 83 years.  

Nora was born in Swan River, MB on January 6, 1935, the middle daughter of parents Ernest and Stella Fawcett of Kenville, MB.  Following her education, Nora moved to Dauphin where she worked for Joe Griffin as a domestic worker and for George and Opal Scott.    Nora began her life's work of helping others as she helped families in the Dauphin & Ochre River area in raising their families.  She worked for Desmond and Irene Whyte helping to raise their 3 sons before moving to Ochre River where she worked for Lenore & Chester Thacker, Mrs. Edna Hamilton, Frank and Bernice Thompson, Bill and Betty Boles, Gordon Blair after his wife passed away helping him to raise his children and Oliver and Buddy Dixon.  Nora babysat for many families in Ochre River.  Despite having no children of her own, she was honored to be thought of as Grandma for many in the area.  

Nora lived with Bill and Betty Boles for a number of months when Betty was ill.  She became a surrogate mom to Marda, Rod and Jim.  This began a loving relationship that lasted to this day.  Nora celebrated her 19th birthday while living at the Boles.  She owns a special place in the hearts of the Boles family.  

Nora met Douglas Rutley while she was working for the Thacker family and they were engaged while she was working for the Boles family.  They were married on August 6, 1955.  They moved for a time to Kingston, Ontario while Douglas served in the Army.  After returning to Ochre River from Kingston, Nora worked for Ken Kings while Douglas farmed and worked out in Thompson, MB.  In 1964. Nora and Douglas moved to the family farm where she resided until her passing.  

Nora was a loyal member of her community.  She could always be counted to lend a hand for anyone who needed, and could be found assisting at community events.  Nora loved the farm and her animals.  She spent many happy hours with friends and neighbors quadding and skidooing and loved nothing better than going on countless drives around the area.  Nora loved to gather her friends together for picnics and a bonfire by the Ochre River.  

Nora was predeceased by her husband Douglas on January 13, 2004, her parents Ernie and Stella Fawcett, her sister Leone and husband Jim Cowan all of Kenville, MB, her in-laws Harvey and Sarah Rutley, Cecil and Russell Rutley, Bernice and Maurice Korzenowski of Ochre River.  

Nora will be fondly remembered by her cousins and her many friends in the Ochre River area.  

Funeral Service was held on Saturday, December 15, 2018 at 1:00 pm from Ochre River Community Centre in Ochre River, MB  with Ryan Raffray officiating.  Interment followed in the Ochre River Cemetery.    Pallbearers were Jack  Thacker, Gordon  Thompson, Finley  Kristjanson, Dean  Tabak, Mike Quennelle and  Birnie  Kehler.  Nora requested that all of her dearest friends be honorary pallbearers.  

Should friends so desire, donations may be made in memory of Nora to the Hamilton Community Centre, a venue very close to Nora's heart at Box 9, Ochre River, MB, R0L 1K0 or to a charity of one's choice.  

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