Ruth Kernohan

Ruth died peacefully on November 11, 2024. She was 88 years old. Her family will carry memories of her bright eyes, keen intelligence and excellent conversation. Her children are Libby Dahl and her husband, Kurt Dahl of Thunder Bay; Dave Kernohan of London; Susan Kernohan and her partner, Howard Akler of Toronto. Her grandchildren are Karl Dahl and his partner Lis Boileau, Katie Dahl, and Hazel Akler. Her two great-grand kids, Emily and Sophie Boileau Dahl, brought her endless delight. Ruth will be missed by her brother and his wife, Arnold and Pat Dixon, and their family.Ruth was born in Sylvan, Ontario in 1936 on the family farm established by her great-great grandfather. She lived most of her life in Sarnia, where she taught elementary school for forty years. She also developed a deep love for Thunder Bay on visits with her daughter Libby’s family. She lived for the last twenty-five years in Lake Valley Grove, in her dream timber frame home. She designed and built the house upon retirement and spent many happy hours, pencil in hand, perfecting the plans. After her house was complete, she turned her focus to education and was proud to graduate with an Honours Diploma in History in 2004, and a Masters in History from Western University in 2008. Whenever a topic interested her, whether it was local history or Great Lakes shipping, Ruth approached it with lively curiosity and her unwavering love for detail. She particularly appreciated increasing her understanding of local First Nations culture and issues.Though her life included adversity, including the loss of her son, Doug, in 1989 and of her dear friend, Joyce Cunningham in 2001, Ruth’s determination, compassion and open mind helped her to choose hope. She found wonder and comfort in the natural world and joy in the people she loved.Following her wishes, a family gathering will take place in the spring of 2025. Donations to honour Ruth may be made to Indspire. [indspire.ca] Online condolences & Guest Book at www.oneilfuneralhome.ca