Helen "Ruth" Illsley
1930-2019
Helen "Ruth" Illsley – 88, of Kentville, passed away Friday, January 18, 2019 in the Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville. Born in Wolfville, she was a daughter of the late John Louis and Elsie Ruth (Blackburn) Kerr. She attended Mack Business College and had been employed as a secretary at Windsor Textiles and later worked with Sears, before devoting her time to children and family. She was a member of the Kentville United Baptist Church and had been active with St. Eulalie Rebekah Lodge for many years. Ruth was a founding member of the Kentville Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary where she remained active for 57 years until the Auxiliary retired. She is survived by two daughters, Barbara (Russell) Jess, Kentville; Heather (Trevor) Misner, Sexsmith, AB; four grandchildren, Ryan Jess (Madison Strong); Kate (Corey Howrish), Kyler and Kegan Misner; a great granddaughter, Layhla; three sisters, Marjorie (Raymond) Craig, Campbell River, BC; Marie Brown, Bedford; Carol (Keith) Ring, Plympton; a brother, Frederick (Ann) Kerr, Cornwallis; many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Francis Illsley; a sister, Doris Kerr; two brothers, Wilfred "Bub" and Robert; an infant brother, Norman. Cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation, by request. The funeral service, followed by a reception, will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 23, 2019 in the Kentville United Baptist Church, Reverend Doctor David Bielby officiating. Burial will take place at a later date in the Lakeview Cemetery, Lakeville, Kings County. Donations in memory may be made to Kentville United Baptist Church. Family flowers only. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville, Nova Scotia.