Ruth Ponich

Ruth Bonde Gronnegaard was the second child of Danish immigrants Kamilla (Krogh) and Knud Bonde Gronnegaard. Born in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, Ruth grew up on the family farm where she learned about hard work and self-sufficiency, and developed a deep appreciation for the natural world. From her earliest years her innate gift for friendship and generosity flourished and became the hallmark of her life.

After completing high school, Ruth moved to Edmonton for secretarial studies. Even before she completed her training, she was offered a job at Safety Supply Company. She took it...a decision which changed the course of her life. A young salesman named Wally Ponich quickly captured her heart. Their wedding in 1959 was the start of a happy union that lasted nearly 67 years. Daughters Kimberley, Tracy, and Leslie grew up in a loving home and in the bright glow of Ruth’s joyful spirit.

Ruth was graced with a zest for life and an abundance of creative talents. As an adult she learned to drive (fast!), swim, play tennis, cross-country ski, paint, make hats; the list goes on. She was an expert seamstress and embroiderer, and a gifted decorator and gardener. She and Wally worked together to transform their simple bungalow and yard into a charming English-style home and garden that became their sanctuary.

As MS increasingly limited Ruth’s mobility and activities over the years, her grace and strength in the face of her severe health challenges inspired everyone she knew. Her ability to remain cheerful was legendary. The spark in her that always found beauty in the world and in the people, she loved never dimmed. Now it is up to those she leaves to carry her spark with us and pass it on.

Ruth was predeceased by her parents Knud and Kamilla Bonde, her sister Tove (Elieo) Della Costa, her husband Walter Ponich, and her granddaughter Katherine Loewen. She is remembered with love by her daughters Kimberley (Philip) Loewen, Tracy Ponich (Iain Smale), and Leslie Ponich (Ken Savage); grandchildren Jonathan Loewen (Lianne McLean) and Nicholas Loewen; great grandchildren Oscar Loewen and Theodore Loewen; brother Niels (Ellen) Bonde; and by a host of family and friends.

We kindly request no flowers. In memory of Ruth, we invite you to make a donation to the Tertiary Palliative Care Unit 43 of the Grey Nuns Community Hospital.

Celebration of Life
Saturday, October 4, 2025, 10:00 am
Trinity Funeral Home
10530 116 Street, Edmonton AB