Season 11: Episode 12 | The Inspirational Life and Faith of David and Ruth Ann Onley

Scripture Untangled

Listen to Ruth Ann Onley, married to the late David C. Onley, the 28th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, being interviewed by Lorna Dueck. In this episode, Ruth Ann leads us through her extraordinary life as a renowned Christian singer and the wife of the 28th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.

In this episode, Ruth Ann and Lorna discuss:

• Ruth Ann’s journey, that began with a strong Christian upbringing before leading her into a secular music career and a season away from faith.
• Encountering God and with the support of a church community, Ruth Ann rediscovered her calling and found that music became an expression of worship and ministry.
• Ruth Ann's unexpected love story with David Onley, and how she navigated marriage, motherhood, and life alongside disability with grace and resilience.
• Stepping into public life as the wife of Ontario’s Lieutenant Governor, and how faith, patriotism, and service became deeply intertwined.
• The grief after David’s recent passing, and how Ruth Ann continues to live out a calling of worship, resilience, and witness in the later seasons of her life.

Read the transcript:

Ruth Ann Onley is an award-winning Christian recording artist who has touched hearts for over 35 years with her concert singing ministry.

Married to the late David C. Onley, the 28th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario from 2007 to 2014, Ruth Ann had the opportunity to perform at many patriotic, military, and cultural events. She also flew into the far Northern communities, on David’s behalf, to continue his Aboriginal Literacy programs. In 2008, Ruth Ann and David had the honour of meeting the Queen at Buckingham Palace.

She is a contributing author to the Word Guild award-winning book called; “Faith, Life and Leadership.”

Ruth Ann is the recipient of an honorary Doctor of Literature degree from Canada Christian College, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal and the King Charles III Coronation Medal.

Nana to nine precious grandchildren, Ruth Ann continues to delight in sleepovers and soccer games and to pursue her love of singing as she lifts the name of Jesus.

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