Barbara Ruth Hodges

With profound sadness, the family announces the passing of Barbara Ruth Hodges on Oct 5th, 2026 at her home in Saskatoon. Barb had faced a variety of health challenges over the past few years, but her death was all the more untimely given that she and Ron were nearing the finish line into their retirement, and were looking forward to the next phase of life together.

Barb is survived by her husband of 57 years, Ronald van Meenen, eldest son Christopher (Monique), grandchildren Amélie & Chloë, youngest son Robert (Angela), along with numerous nieces and nephews. Barb was the youngest of siblings Ron, Tom, and Bob all born to Bertram Stanley Hodges and Frances Cora Hodges (nee Cummins).

Barb was born on September 3rd, 1949, and grew up on Ave I South in a tight-knit Riversdale community that was known for its strength and resilience, fostering wonderful opportunities to participate in sports and connection. She attended King George Elementary School, followed by Bedford Road Collegiate, where she was eventually Senior Pin.

Barb was a determined athlete and a fierce competitor, excelling with Lions Speed Skating, Optimist Swimming Club, and varsity sports at BRCI including volleyball, basketball, and track & field. She continued her education at the University of Saskatchewan, where one auspicious fall day she was first spotted by Ron in the Bowl, which led to a successful blind date soon after. Ron and Barb were married two years later, and circumstance took them to North Bay, Ontario, where Christopher was born, and Barb completed her teaching certificate. Upon their return in 1970, Barb completed her Arts degree while also coaching volleyball at Kelsey Institute. The following year, she was given the opportunity to return to her alma mater, teaching and coaching at Bedford Road for the next four years, during which time Robert was born. In 1976, a fortuitous recommendation led to her becoming the Executive Director of Participaction, allowing her to pursue her passion of spreading health and sport into all facets of life. Barb next returned to the U of S to obtain her MBA, which then led to another Executive Directorship, this time with Century Saskatoon.

These unique experiences and engagements in civic life inspired Barb and Ron to now fully dive into the entrepreneurial world, opening the business that would in many ways shape the balance of the their adult lives: Sleepers (first version, “the Waterbed Store”). The 1980s through the early 90s were challenging economic times for business, but Barb (with her family) faced them head-on with that same spirit of determination that was instilled in her humble beginnings in the core neighbourhoods of Saskatoon. In 1987, Sleepers branched into manufacturing, which begot Spadina Industries. Barb headed this sister company for nearly 40 years. In addition to producing the lineup of retail mattresses for Sleepers, Barb became a recognized leader in the production of institutional and fire-safe mattresses across Western Canada.

No matter how busy Barb was in her business pursuits, she could not be kept away from her athletic ambitions. Whether playing Women’s Basketball, Swimming with Masters, or suiting up with too many teams to count in Women’s & Co-Ed Volleyball, Barb could not be slowed down (wonky knees and painful joints be damned!). Her fellow pickleballers of recent years will attest she wouldn’t back down from any competition, and was a great teammate to all. Barb was an eternal teacher and recruiter in both the sports and business worlds, and forged meaningful relationships worldwide. She was humble when speaking of her own accomplishments, but was truly proud of her King George and Bedford Road roots. Barb came alive when participating in reunions and events that connected those communities like the river that flows through the city she called home.

In keeping with Barbara’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and a gathering to celebrate her life will take place in November, with dates and further details to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, for those so wishing, donations in Barbara’s memory can be made to Women’s Brain Health (wbhi.org).