Ruleen Lilly passes

Ruleen Ruth (McCallum) Lilley of Dutton, Ont. passed peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on Aug. 4, 2024 in her 64th year.

Lovingly remembered by her husband of 42 years, Jeffery Malcolm Lilley; sons Alex and Gerald; and grandchildren Coral, Jate, Sadie and Connor Lilley.

Predeceased by her mother Margaret Jane (Campbell) McCallum and her father Alexander Bruce McCallum.

Fondly remembered by her sisters Marion (Jim) Rose, Nancy (Dave) Gowan, Jennifer McCallum and Catherine McCallum (Pat Aarts); and many nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.

Ruleen and her four sisters grew up on a farm in an era where sons were most farmers’ desired offspring. However, their parents never made them feel, as girls, they were anything less. They taught them they could achieve any goal they desired. Their father was often heard to say, “Five of a kind is the best hand you can be dealt.”

The girls were given responsibilities early: gathering eggs, feeding livestock, baling hay, cutting grass and all the other duties farm life involves. 4-H was a big part of Ruleen’s youth.

She started working at the Standardbred horse farm called Mac Lilley Farms in September 1981. She came home from her first day at work and announced to her sisters, “I think I just met my husband today,” smitten by the handsome red-headed Jeff Lilley.

Jeff and Ruleen married in May of 1982 and have been happily married ever since.

Ruleen, after being raised with sisters, got quite the eye opener when she had her two sons, Alex and Gerald. Her life became all about squirt guns, b b guns, fishing, horses, motor bikes and pretty much anything that went fast enough to set your hair on fire. Boys were different, but so loved.

Ruleen and Jeff’s early careers were filled by training horses and racing around North America. They travelled as far west as Edmonton, as far east as P.E.I., and as far south as Georgia. Life was a whirlwind. They later took on the responsibilities of the breeding end of the business.

Ruleen was a director for Standardbred Canada and the first female director and chair of West Elgin Mutual Insurance Company.

Ruleen’s biggest joy came by promoting her community, farm and horses. Highlights would be hosting many open houses, barn dances and especially the RCMP Musical Ride in 2022 and creating the comedic play called, “The Dunwich Scotch” (celebrating Canad’s 150 anniversary by showcasing local history).

Ruleen will always consider her biggest accomplishments were her family.

A celebration of life was held before her death and a private ceremony will be held by her family.

If you feel the urge to do something as a remembrance for Ruleen, please plant a tree or give a donation to a charity of your choice.

From Standardbred Canada