Ruth Elizabeth (Jylha) Franklin

Ruth Elizabeth Franklin, 91, passed away peacefully on October 28, 2025, with sons Brian, Brent, Bruce, daughter-in-law Shelly, and adult grandchildren Cameron and Madison at her side while primarily under the care of Dr. Jonathan Reggler.

Ruth was born to Finnish immigrant parents Meini and Waino Jylha on August 27, 1934, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Comox, BC. She grew up on a farm on Howard Road in Merville, attending Tsolum School until graduation in 1952. Many of Mom's childhood memories provided a window into local history.

In 1938, Mom was evacuated from her farmhouse and briefly took refuge in a barn with other Merville families in preparation for an escape from a raging forest fire which devastated much of Northern Vancouver Island. She vividly recalled the shock and sadness in the sudden absence of Japanese children who were interned with their families as a consequence of the Sunday, December 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbour. Ruth also remembered school evacuation drills that saw her classmates escorted to wooded areas near Tsolum School to hide as she "strained her ears for the sound of approaching Japanese bombers." Ruth also felt the chaos and confusion as her home was shaken by a powerful earthquake on Sunday June 23, 1946.

Ruth pursued a career in teaching elementary school and briefly lived in Clinton, Coquitlam, and Burquitlam before returning to the Comox Valley to teach in Comox where she met electrical contractor Ken Franklin whom she married on April 5, 1958 on very day of the famous Ripple Rock blast at Seymour Narrows near Campbell River. Ruth left teaching in 1961 to raise her family.

Mom took great delight in gardening, painting, hiking with her "39rs" club, camping, travel, cooking, and dining. Ruth especially enjoyed gathering with family and friends whether it was a night out for the local restaurant scene or entertaining at her "mansion paradise" which Ruth literally designed in the late 1960's using Lego blocks!

Ken and Ruth continued to travel extensively during their retirement years. Following Ken's passing in 2005, Ruth developed a network of friends who she called her "computer pals" and they remained her social "lifeline" throughout her twilight years. 

Mom had a love-hate relationship with the morning news whether it was the reporting in the “Times Colonist” newspaper or in the morning news talk shows. She was proud that she maintained the grey matter within her head yet radiantly retained a healthy blonde/brunette mane. The family would often joke that Mom was a carrier of the grey hair gene, rather than a sufferer. Ruth could perhaps credit the late-night comedians for preserving both her humour and her sharp mind.

The Franklin family has wonderful memories of island camping (Tribune Bay, Quadra Island, Tofino/Ucluelet) and more extensive trips that brought us to Barkerville and countless other places throughout BC and the western United States. Ruth was highly artistic, creative, and justifiably proud of her paintings including a small totem depiction that had been on display at Comox Hospital.

Ruth had been born with the Finnish "sisu" (spirit, perseverance) that enabled her to overcome tremendous challenges throughout her life. She often spoke of a vivid near-death experience that instilled in her a strong belief in a supreme, surreal afterlife and just as often would wryly speak of "joining the party!"

Mom continued to live life on her own terms as much as possible. She wanted people to know that she had a long and happy life and ultimately expressed that her time had come. Mom saw death as a transition experience leading to reunion with the family and friends that had, for a time, been lost to her. In this vein, we will note that Mom had an endearing expression that those close to her will never forget:

"...well, H-e-l-l-o, Every-Body, Hey-lo, Hey-lo, Hey-lo!”

The Franklin family would like to thank the many dedicated care providers who enabled Mom to live in her home with comfort and dignity. We are also grateful to the wide range of medical personnel at North Island Hospital who provided expert care to manage Mom's health and alleviate her discomfort in her final days.

In lieu of flowers, please consider charitable donations, especially to the World Wildlife Fund and various agencies that support the people of Ukraine.