The memorial service held for Ruth Amery was anything but dull and dreary – it was held in the spirit in which Wangaratta councillor lived her life, full of colour.
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Friends, family and colleagues came together on Tuesday to celebrate the life of the 66-year-old, which suddenly and unexpectedly ended when she died in her sleep last week.
She had been one of 10 children in her family, a wife to Noel Amery to 48 years, the mother of four children and grandmother to 16.
“She was an absolutely fun-loving woman and was always stirring or looking to draw a response, one way or another,” son Scott said.
“For their entire married life, Mum and Dad shared a close bond and were absolutely committed to each other. Their love, respect, support and dedication to each other has been a great example to us all on how to live married life.”
Cr Amery was remembered for her love of colourful outfits and wine, her eye for dressmaking and talents as a baker, and her work managing the Mount Pleasant Homestead accommodation in East Wangaratta.
“I saw so much evidence of your unconditional love showered upon my siblings and beyond in our family, and on your friends,” daughter Prue said.
“You were a woman with a cause, to be valued to others in making their lives better. You were such a bright light in my life and in the lives of so many.”
In the year since she was elected to the council, Cr Amery showed passion for the arts portfolio, especially the Wangaratta Art Gallery.
Mayor Ken Clarke, a long-time friend of the Amery family, vowed to fight for some of the causes she wanted to tackle before she died.
“While we didn’t always agree, when Ruth made a point we all listened and respected her point of view. She was so strong on some council agenda items … Being the only lady among us, she would keep up the attack until she was satisfied with the answer,” Cr Clarke said.
“To Noel and family: you’ve lost a wife, a mother and a grandmother; the rural city has lost one of its own.
“Be assured we will be there for you if needed.
“Ruth’s contribution will not be in vain and when she looks down upon us, she will see the fruits of her labour being enacted by her fellow councillors. We will all be better councillors for knowing and sharing our thoughts with her in the short time she was with us.”
