CLEARLAKE OAKS — With the intention of providing sufficient time for pain to pass, a memorial service was held on Saturday in honor of Pastor Ruth Canady. Canady, who died on Aug. 14, had been instrumental in numerous endeavors that have brought positive change to the community of Clearlake Oaks.
“We are here in celebration of the life of Pastor Ruth Canady,” said Reverend Dr. Rick Schlosser. “I hope there”s been enough time so we can really celebrate.”
The service was held in the Thornton-Canady Youth and Community Center, which was named in honor of Canady and her late husband Pastor Bill Thornton. “I think it”s very fitting to be in this place, as raw as it stands, because to Ruth it was very sacred,” Reverend Paula Bishop Pociecho said.
Canady and Thornton had served as pastors of the Clearlake Oaks Community United Methodist Church since 1998 beginning their work with the church in 1995. Following Thornton”s passing in 2005, Canady had continued in fulfilling the visions the two had held for the community. Rev. Schlosser said that the couple had carried a torch for positive change in Clearlake Oaks. “It”s up to the congregation and community to keep that torch burning,” he said.
The life of Canady was celebrated with remembrance for her compassion, kindness, giving nature and faith. Mementos of her life were displayed throughout the center with a predominance of butterflies, representing metamorphosis from physical life to spiritual.
Rev. Pociecho spoke at length as to the influence Canady had on the community as well as the church”s congregation. “She was someone who showed up in such a way that every one of us is different,” she said. “Every one of us is touched.”
Rachel Ruth said she had known Canady since she was 12-years-old. She described how she had come to Lake County and how Canady had befriended her upon her arrival. “Ruth instantly sensed that we could be friends through Jesus Christ,” Ruth said. “It”s hard to realize she”s gone. But, without a doubt, she would like to share with all of us what”s it”s like to be face to face with Jesus.”
Several memories and thoughts were compiled in a memorial pamphlet that was available at the service. “You taught me that giving was more important than receiving. You taught me that love was abundant and that I should open my heart to others,” Canady”s daughter Cheryl Carzoli wrote. “You taught me to trust and find the joy in the little things. You taught me life will go on. I see you everywhere: in the faces of my children; in the people”s hearts that you have touched over the years.”
Canady”s granddaughter Lexi Carzoli wrote: “Grandma Ruth was my favorite grandma. She was always there for me. She was fun. She was nice. If you believe, you can see her in the stars watching over us.”
Following the sharing of memories, Rev. Pociecho called for a standing ovation despite conveying that Canady herself would have disapproved of the attention.
Pastor Ruth Canady was born in Warren, AR on June 15, 1931 and passed away on Aug. 14, 2008 at the age of 77. She is preceded in death by her husband William Thornton who passed on April 8, 2005 at the age of 81. Canady is survived by her children Charlene Stears, Cheryl Carzoli, Diana O”Hara, Michael Thornton and Cherri Campbell; grandchildren Nathan Dukes, Kelsey Carzoli, Lexi Carzoli, Shannon O”Hara, Jon Bumgarner, Lindsey Campbell, Kevin McCormick and Casey McCormick; and great-grandchildren Casey Clarke, Madison Bumgarner and Wyatt Dukes.
The family has requested that memorial donations in Ruth Canady”s honor be made to the Thornton-Canady Youth and Community Center fund, care of the Clearlake Oaks United Methodist Church, PO Box 962, Clearlake Oaks, Calif. 95423.
