Ruth Ann Onley first visited the Lieutenant Governor’s Suite at Queen’s Park to perform "O Canada" at an awards ceremony. A few months later, she returned with her husband, David C. Onley, newly appointed as Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.

Music has always been part of Ruth Ann Onley’s life. Raised on an apple farm near Simcoe, Ontario, the daughter of a concert pianist and a former RCAF air-sea rescue pilot, she studied psychology and French at university before becoming a professional singer.

Her career has included performances on television, in dinner clubs, and at major sporting events. Her bilingual version of “O Canada” caused a sensation at a Toronto Blue Jays game and in the press. Her career blossomed and she earned the Newcomer of the Year Award in Canadian Country Music.

With marriage, Mrs Onley turned her attention to family life and to raising three sons, Jonathan, Robert, and Michael. During this time, her Christian faith deepened and led her into a music ministry as a successful recording artist and performer.

Her Honour takes part in many activities of the Lieutenant Governor and has embraced her public role with enthusiasm.