On the 23rd May 2012 a special resident at Wharekaka Rest Home passed away. Saying that, all our residents are special – but this lady had been associated with Wharekaka from the dream to establish a facility to serve the district’s elderly in 1972, until 23 May 2012 – some 40 years later.
Ruth Hewitt was a member of Red Cross, when on the 26th July 1972 a meeting was held at Martinborough Maternity home to discuss the proposal to establish a Day Care Centre in the town. A proposal was made to the Wairarapa Hospital Board to establish a day facility as a first step on the way to providing care for the elderly.
Ruth was born in Tiri Hospital Martinborough on June 9th 1918. Her parents lived at Lagoon Hills Station Martinborough. When Ruth was very young her family moved to Ngakouka. This was to be the family farm in Ponatahi. Ruth lived on Ngakouka for 76 years, moving to Cologne Street in the mid 1990’s where she lived with her sister Cushla.
When Cushla moved into Wharekaka Ruth purchased a villa at the Wharekaka facility. In April 2007 Ruth had a heart attack and decided, on her return from hospital, that it was time to move into Wharekaka.
Ruth was an avid supporter of change at Wharekaka. Ruth would have ideas – when presenting them to staff she had all her facts and figures, and with her special smile it would be hard to resist her requests. Ruth acquired a cat for the home named Tigger which was a constant companion to her.
She had a very busy fulfilling life. Starting with schooling at St Matthews at the tender age of five years, then later at Nga Tawa in Marton. She went on to complete her nursing training at Masterton, Palmerston North and Burwood Hospitals. She was a V.A.D during WW2.
She was a member of the Martinborough Tennis Club, St Andrews Church and an active member of the Martinborough Red Cross for 60 years.
Ruth enjoyed all activities and outings at the home. She was an avid player of rummy, enjoyed music and adventure. She enjoyed a ride in a hot air balloon only a couple of years ago – something that she was determined to do – even though it meant getting out of a warm bed early in the morning and being lifted into the basket. The smile on her face was priceless.
Ruth will always have a special place in the history of Wharekaka. She was a tireless fundraiser of the facility and had Mike Beckett write a history of Wharekaka which was produced into a book.
Sleep peacefully Ruth you deserve the rest – you will leave a huge gap in all our lives.
