‘Great’ Ruse celebrates 100

On 10 September 2022, Mrs Gwenda Ruse celebrates her centenarian milestone with friends and family at Resthaven Westbourne Park.

The youngest of five siblings, Mrs Ruse grew up in a busy but close family in Murray Bridge.

‘As a little girl, I was teased by my brothers constantly! But they protected me fiercely and I felt very loved.’

‘I was quite good at school and sports, which served me well in life. I received a scholarship to go to high school, but I didn’t stay long.’

Mrs Ruse’s family suddenly lost their father, and one by one, they all left school to support the family.

‘I was 14 when I found employment in Adelaide as a housekeeper. I was lucky I could go live with my aunt and cousin, who were locals there.’

In her newfound independence, she would often shop at the local grocery store, developing a crush on one of the attendants, Doug.

‘We did not get much of a chance to get to know each other before he was off to fight in the war (World War II). I took over his job while he was gone, which involved a Starting Price (SP) service.’

‘I’ll never forget when I closed the whole operation down! I knocked three times on the door that led to the betting area, not knowing that this was the sign that the cops were coming and to evacuate!’

Mrs Ruse found a close friendship with the local butcher’s daughter, Betty.

‘We had such fun together and would get into all sorts! We have shared a lifelong friendship, and her daughter, Jan, still visits me several times a week.’

During the war, Doug returned to Adelaide on leave, and they developed a romance.

‘We married in 1945 and had two children—the best thing that has ever happened to me.’

Soon, the newlyweds leased a grocery shop of their own.

‘We worked hard for several years, before purchasing two blocks of land, where we built our home and shop next to each other.’

‘We were very busy. When we weren’t working, we were down at the football, or tennis, or hosting our group of friends and extended family. Family is everything.’

During retirement, Mrs Ruse enjoyed yoga, line dancing, and travel with her children, the highlights being Japan and a cruise on the Queen Elizabeth II.

At 100, Mrs Ruse is the proud grandmother to 5 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren—known endearingly to all as ‘Great’.

Many happy returns, Mrs Ruse.

For more information about Resthaven Westbourne Park, click here.