We lovingly announce the passing of our dear mother, grandmother, and great‑grandmother, Ruth Ianthe Le Roux (née Bristow), who returned peacefully to her Heavenly Father in her sleep on February 24, 2026 at Cardston, Alberta, Canada.
Ruth was born on February 23, 1930, in Barkley East, Cape Province, South Africa. From an early age, she developed a deep love for animals and the outdoors. Together with her sister Grace, she spent countless hours riding horses and exploring the hills and farm grounds, enjoying many adventures. The two sisters were affectionately known as the “wild Bristow girls.”
Ruth was athletic and played field hockey during her high school years. She was also academically gifted and graduated from high school early at the age of 15. She began her working life at the Unemployment Insurance Company as National Cash Machine Operator, where she demonstrated the diligence and independence that would characterize her life.
She met Jack (Jacobus) Le Roux in 1947, and they were married on December 31, 1947. Together they built a life centered on family, faith, and service.
Ruth and Jack lived in many towns and cities throughout South Africa while raising their family. One of the greatest blessings of their lives was their conversion to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints. Their love of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ led them to immigrate to Canada, where they could worship freely with fellow members of the Church and raise their daughters according to gospel principles.
Ruth’s testimony of Jesus Christ was central to who she was. She loved the gospel deeply and faithfully served in many callings throughout her life, always willing to help, uplift, and serve wherever she was needed. Her quiet devotion, kindness, and example of Christlike service touched many lives.
Ruth found joy in God’s creations and in expressing her creativity. She loved hiking, cross‑country skiing, camping, gardening, painting, and horseback riding. When Ruth and Jack retired to an acreage outside Cardston, Alberta, in 1993, she formed dear friendships with a group of women who spent many years hiking together in the Rocky Mountains. These friendships were a tremendous source of joy and fellowship, and she spoke of these companions often. Though many of these dear friends predeceased her, Ruth always smiled when speaking of Pam Reeder, who continued to visit her faithfully right to the end.
Ruth’s love of horses was lifelong. She owned many over the years and continued riding well into her 80s. Letting go of riding was a difficult transition for her, but her love for these animals and the outdoors never faded.
Ruth is survived by her beloved daughters:
- Michele Geurts (Peter Geurts), and their children:Andre Geurts (Kyrie), Myles Geurts (Carmen), Chandelle Negrych (Michael), Steven Geurts, and Delaine Steele (David)
- Kerry Gaudette (William Gaudette), and their children:Paul Gaudette, Linda Lowder (Lyle), Jonica Bullock, Jessica Doody (Graham), Cory Gaudette (Cassandra), Coby Gaudette (Xavier), Roberto Gaudette, and Ramando Gaudette
- Antoinette McNeill (Blake McNeill), and their children:John McNeill (Allison), Katelyn Muirhead (Conor), Kimberly McNeill (RJ Pagsanghan), and Alanna McNeill
She will be lovingly remembered by her daughters and sons‑in‑law, her 17 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, and her six great-great‑grandchildren, all of whom were a great joy and blessing in her life.
Ruth was preceded in death by her firstborn daughter Elizabeth (d. 1948); her beloved husband Jack (Jacobus) LeRoux, with whom she shared 67 years of marriage (d. 2014); her sister Grace Balantine (Robert) (d. 2024); her brother Peter Bristow (d. 1927); and her parents Charles Bristow (d. 1980) and Violet (Orpen) Bristow (d. 1980).
We take comfort in the knowledge of the Plan of Salvation and look forward with faith and hope to a joyful reunion with Ruth and our loved ones through the grace of Jesus Christ.
A Funeral Service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, South Hill Chapel on Friday, March 6th, at 11:00 a.m.
Friends may meet the family at the church from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the service. Interment to follow in the Cardston Cemetery.
Click to Send Condolences to the Family
Ruth was born on February 23, 1930, in Barkley East, Cape Province, South Africa. From an early age, she developed a deep love for animals and the outdoors. Together with her sister Grace, she spent countless hours riding horses and exploring the hills and farm grounds, enjoying many adventures. The two sisters were affectionately known as the “wild Bristow girls.”
Ruth was athletic and played field hockey during her high school years. She was also academically gifted and graduated from high school early at the age of 15. She began her working life at the Unemployment Insurance Company as National Cash Machine Operator, where she demonstrated the diligence and independence that would characterize her life.
She met Jack (Jacobus) Le Roux in 1947, and they were married on December 31, 1947. Together they built a life centered on family, faith, and service.
Ruth and Jack lived in many towns and cities throughout South Africa while raising their family. One of the greatest blessings of their lives was their conversion to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints. Their love of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ led them to immigrate to Canada, where they could worship freely with fellow members of the Church and raise their daughters according to gospel principles.
Ruth’s testimony of Jesus Christ was central to who she was. She loved the gospel deeply and faithfully served in many callings throughout her life, always willing to help, uplift, and serve wherever she was needed. Her quiet devotion, kindness, and example of Christlike service touched many lives.
Ruth found joy in God’s creations and in expressing her creativity. She loved hiking, cross‑country skiing, camping, gardening, painting, and horseback riding. When Ruth and Jack retired to an acreage outside Cardston, Alberta, in 1993, she formed dear friendships with a group of women who spent many years hiking together in the Rocky Mountains. These friendships were a tremendous source of joy and fellowship, and she spoke of these companions often. Though many of these dear friends predeceased her, Ruth always smiled when speaking of Pam Reeder, who continued to visit her faithfully right to the end.
Ruth’s love of horses was lifelong. She owned many over the years and continued riding well into her 80s. Letting go of riding was a difficult transition for her, but her love for these animals and the outdoors never faded.
Ruth is survived by her beloved daughters:
- Michele Geurts (Peter Geurts), and their children:Andre Geurts (Kyrie), Myles Geurts (Carmen), Chandelle Negrych (Michael), Steven Geurts, and Delaine Steele (David)
- Kerry Gaudette (William Gaudette), and their children:Paul Gaudette, Linda Lowder (Lyle), Jonica Bullock, Jessica Doody (Graham), Cory Gaudette (Cassandra), Coby Gaudette (Xavier), Roberto Gaudette, and Ramando Gaudette
- Antoinette McNeill (Blake McNeill), and their children:John McNeill (Allison), Katelyn Muirhead (Conor), Kimberly McNeill (RJ Pagsanghan), and Alanna McNeill
She will be lovingly remembered by her daughters and sons‑in‑law, her 17 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, and her six great-great‑grandchildren, all of whom were a great joy and blessing in her life.
Ruth was preceded in death by her firstborn daughter Elizabeth (d. 1948); her beloved husband Jack (Jacobus) LeRoux, with whom she shared 67 years of marriage (d. 2014); her sister Grace Balantine (Robert) (d. 2024); her brother Peter Bristow (d. 1927); and her parents Charles Bristow (d. 1980) and Violet (Orpen) Bristow (d. 1980).
We take comfort in the knowledge of the Plan of Salvation and look forward with faith and hope to a joyful reunion with Ruth and our loved ones through the grace of Jesus Christ.
A Funeral Service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, South Hill Chapel on Friday, March 6th, at 11:00 a.m.
Friends may meet the family at the church from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the service. Interment to follow in the Cardston Cemetery.
Click to Send Condolences to the Family