Naomi Stubbert Ross

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Naomi Ross in the early hours at Portage Hospital on November 8, 2025. As family was everything to Naomi, we are grateful that her sister Erma Baker, grandchildren Gabrielle Wishart, Alex Wishart, and daughter Cheryl Wishart were with her. Also left to mourn are her son-in-law Kevin Wishart, son Wayne Rudderham (David), and two brothers William MacLean (Larine) and Ian MacLean (Dawn), grandchildren Kenneth Rudderham (Tiffany), Nicole Rudderham, Mackenzie Wishart (Sydney), great-grandchildren Emily Rudderham, Arwyn Rudderham, Marqiess Rudderham, Isha Rudderham, Elowen Lilley-Wishart, Cedar Lilley-Wishart. Predeceased by her son Kenneth Rudderham, parents Kenneth & Mary MacLean, sister Esther Babcock, brothers Daniel MacLean and Angus MacLean, and grandson-in-law Evan Lilley.

Naomi was born May 26, 1932, in Florence Nova Scotia, the second of seven children. No matter how far she wandered, her heart remained in the Maritimes, or as she called it “Gods Country”. One of her favourite stories was as a child being given a dime to buy a cooked lobster from the fishermen that returned with their catch of the day. The fishermen would cook up the lobster dockside and serve it fresh to enjoy on the dock. But as life often does, she followed her family and left the East Coast, settling on the Prairies. Weekends were for family gatherings, a game of bridge, and often a song or jig broke out amongst the siblings. Shortly after arriving in Manitoba Naomi began working for the Federal Government and loved her job. She eventually had the opportunity to travel while teaching workshops for staff about the computer programs.

Naomi was known for her amazing cooking and baking, especially her fudge recipe, lemon meringue pie and pineapple dessert. Family dinners always featured all our favourites, which would easily have fed double the amount of people in attendance. She was so attentive to everyone’s needs that we would always have to tell her to sit and enjoy her meal while it was still hot. She even sent the apple and carrot peelings to Mackenzies horses, so they had a sweet treat and weren’t left out, and of course nothing wasted!

What a wonderful grandmother and great grandmother she was. She specialized in first baby baths, and teaching the baby bounce walk to soothe a colicky baby. We used to joke that her back would be forever bent from helping them learn to walk! That Alex would be an adult, and she would still be carrying him around. Our hearts are full of love that the 8-month-old twins Elowen and Cedar had a visit complete with cuddles and kisses with Nana in her final week. She celebrated every moment of joy in her grandchildren’s lives. Ken’s singing, acting and football, Nicole and her hair dressing and creativity, Mack and his horse riding and football, Gabi and her singing, volleyball and ringette, and Alex and his judo and cadets. Each and every achievement by each grandchild was so important to her. Her love of family she wore with pride.

She loved to travel, and we fondly remember her adventures traveling to Thailand to visit her nephew Kevin in 2010, and Alberta/BC for Gabi & Evans wedding in 2022. Her final trip was with her daughter Cheryl and Charlie the chihuahua to Nova Scotia in 2023. They surprised granddaughter Gabrielle as she was coaching at a National Volleyball competition. Afterwards they had a holiday and travelled the province, wandering wherever they wanted, with no agenda beyond connecting with her dear friend Hattie. She taught the correct pronunciation of all the towns along the way and shared her memories. These places brought her back to the time of her youth, full of family and friends. As Naomi had such a friendly outgoing personality, they met cousins and friends of family from conversations struck up in restaurants and at the ferry. As recently as a few weeks ago she was talking about repeating the trip in the coming summer of 2026, just to taste fresh Nova Scotia lobster again.

Naomi loved sports and especially the Jets and Bombers. She was so pleased that some of the family have tickets to this year’s Grey Cup. Of course, her favourite Jets player was Patrick Laine, or as she called him “her boy”. We don’t think she ever forgave the Jets for trading him. One evening as we were listening to the CJOB postgame show a “Naomi” called in to berate the announcers for being so mean in their commentary of Laine’s play! She loved talking hockey with Evan and listening to the two of them they sounded like they were the game announcers with their in-depth discussions.

Naomi was known for her amazing style and fashion sense. Everyone that knew or met her commented on how amazing she looked and acted for her age. Recently she enjoyed when someone found out she was 93 years old. She truly didn’t look her age and loved hearing their disclaimers!

Thank you to the numerous staff that cared for Mom during her stay at the hospital. We especially appreciate Dr Ken Parker and his years of providing for her care. He would sometimes just listen to her, never making her feel rushed. To Mom being seen as a person, feeling respected, was the best medicine she ever received. We are also very grateful to her neighbour Joanne for keeping an eye on Mom and all their years of friendship.

We will miss her deeply, another huge hole in our family. I know there is a welcoming crew for her in heaven. Much love Mom… Miss you dearly.

Viewing and visitation will be held on Friday, November 21, 2025, at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel from 7:00 – 8:00 pm. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Chapel Lawn Cemetery with a luncheon to follow at Tuxedo Towers, 1975 Corydon Ave. Winnipeg, MB.

Donations in memory of Naomi can be made to the True North Youth Foundation.

A tree will be planted and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com