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Hilda Coleman
Hilda Coleman late of Weyburn, passed away May 28th, 2009 at the age of 87 years. Hilda was predeceased by her parents, Charles and Mary Tollefson, her husband, Roy Coleman, one sister, Sophie Pederson, brothers, Almer, Mel, Roy, Adolph and Ernie Tollefson, two sisters-in-law, Eva Tollefson and Reitta Tollefson, one brother-in-law, Palmer Pederson. She is survived by her son, Don (Laura) Coleman, Melville and their children, Luke, Blake and Tala, her daughter, Brenda (Mike) Shauf, Weyburn and their children, Austin, Britanie, her brother, Ed (Bertha) Tollefson, Regina, sisters-in-law, Myrna Tollefson, Gravelbourg and Gladys Tollefson, Weyburn as well as several nieces and nephews. Hilda was born April 23, 1922 on a farm near Talmage, north-east of Weyburn, the sixth child born to Charles and Mary Tollefson. Hilda grew up in the Talmage area where she attended school, completing grade seven at the Talmage school. She started having health problems, and these plagued her throughout her life. Arthritis became her most painful affliction. Hilda moved to Weyburn in the 1950's and worked as a nurses aid for a brief time, and then in the Macleods store. During these years she was also a dedicated Sunday School teacher at Bethel Evangelical Church. She made a number of story books for use with her class which also entertained and taught her own children a few years later. Although Hilda grew up less than ten miles from the Coleman family farm, she did not meet her husband Roy until someone did some matchmaking. Hilda and Roy were married in Weyburn on June 29, 1963 and established their new home on the Coleman family farm. A son Donald and a daughter Brenda soon joined the family. Hilda was always a dedicated and hard working mother who devoted her life to caring for her family and providing for their needs. Hilda always felt close to family and her roles as daughter, sister, aunt, wife and mother were her priority throughout her life. Hilda had a gift for hospitality and often entertained family and friends in her home, including family gatherings for both the Tollefsons and the Colemans. When a visiting guest at church needed a place to stay, Hilda billeted them. Hilda's other interests included scrap booking, crafts, crocheting, sewing and flower gardening. Hilda and Roy welcomed son-in-law, Mike into the family in 1987, followed by two grandchildren, then daughter-in-law Laura in 1995, followed by three more grandchildren. Hilda stood by Roy throughout his battle with Alzheimer's, caring for him at home as long as possible. Once that was no longer possible, Hilda was a regular visitor at Souris Valley until Roy's passing in 2002. Hilda herself moved from Bison Manor in 2007, first to the Fillmore Nursing Home and then to the Weyburn Special Care Home where she appreciated their loving care. It was there that Hilda passed away on the evening of Thursday May 28th with loved ones nearby. Funeral service was held Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009 at the Silver Heights Bible Church Weyburn, officiating was Rev. Larry Rempel and Pastor Harley Porter. Interment followed at the Hillcrest Cemetery Weyburn. Honorary Pallbearers: Deone Gruchy, Yvonne Hastings, Evelyn Houston, Pat Jones, Doreen Kilback, Wilhemena Smailes, Jan Stuart. Active Pallbearers: Gary Tollefson, Cliff Tollefson, Blaine Tollefson, Dean Tollefson, Dale Tollefson, Les Pederson. Organist: Bonnie Kerr. For family and friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Hilda to the Silver Heights Memorial Fund or the Arthritis Society. Arrangements were entrusted to RD Family Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, Weyburn (848-0333). If so desired, expressions of sympathy to the family may be sent to our website at www.rdfamilymemorialchapel.com "Our family serving your family"
Margaret Elsie Paynter
Margaret will be remembered as always happy and smiling. She loved spending time with her family and friends, playing cards, reading, knitting and cooking wonderful meals. Margaret was born in Eatonia in 1925. She lived most of her life on the prairies until moving to the Comox Valley, BC in 1987 with her husband to be closer to her family. She is predeceased by her husband Robert George Paynter, daughter Sylvia Jean Williams and brother Gordon Jones. She is survived by brother Brian Jones of Medicine Hat, AB, sisters Dorthy Sulz of Medicine Hat, AB and Jean Dahl of Kindersley, grandsons Noel (Jody) Williams of Courtenay, BC, Scott (Cheryl Miskenack) Williams of Campbell river, son-in-law Reg (Marylin Page) Williams of Courtenay. In lieu of flowers a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation is appreciated. The family would like to thank Dr. Fitzpatrick and the staff of Casa Loma and Ocean View for making Margaret's later years comfortable and enjoyable. A memorial tea will be held on Wednesday, June 10 at 2774 Allen Ave. in Cumberland, BC from 1-4, in her memory, all are welcome to attend. Arrangements entrusted to Comox Valley Funeral Home, Courtenay, BC (205) 334-0707.
Wallace "Wally" Chabot
On May 28, 2009 our husband, father, grandpa and great grandpa passed away peacefully at the age of 85. Born on March 17, 1924 in Bromhead the second youngest of 9. Married Marguerite on July 8, 1950. Left to cherish his memory, his wife; Marguerite, sons; Lorne (Alice), Bob, grand children; Sherrie ( Ryan), Mark (Sandi), Greg (Roberta), Brad (Alissa), Wade (Amanda), great grandchildren; Mercedis, Kane, Hudson, London and Cache. Prayers were held Sunday, May 31, 2009 7:00 p.m. at the St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church Weyburn. Funeral mass was Monday, June 1, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. at St Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church, Weyburn, Fr. Gerry Bauche, celebrant. Honorary Pallbearers were his grandchildren Sherrie, Mark, Greg, Wade and Brad. Interment followed at Hillcrest Cemetery, Weyburn. Wally and Marguerite retired to Weyburn in 1985 from the farm in Bromhead. He loved to talk, tell stories and go for coffee. He was a member of a local choir for 10 years enjoying it very much. Wally will be sadly missed. For family and friends so wishing, in lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Wally may be made to your Charity of Choice. Arrangements were entrusted to RD Family Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, Weyburn (848-0333). If so desired, expressions of sympathy to the family may be sent to our website at www.rdfamilymemorialchapel.com "Our family serving your family"
William Wallace Cameron (Bill)
On May 29, 2009, William Wallace Cameron (Bill) late of Lakeside Nursing Home, Wolseley, formerly of Moosomin, passed away at the age of 100 years. Predeceased by his wife Hazel (1991), daughter, Audrey; son-in-law, Frank Sigmeth, sisters, Matilda Clay and Eliza La Valley; brothers, James and Glen. Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Ruth (Norman) Preikschat, White City, son Allan Cameron (friend Doreen Bingham), Moosomin, two grandchildren, Donna Sigmeth (Robin Johnson), Ronald Sigmeth; five great grandchildren, Tara Schmidt, (Jamie Lennon) Nicole Schmidt, Kevin Schmidt, Emma Johnson, Paisley Johnson, brother Cecil Cameron, Weyburn, a very good friend May Leslie, Moosomin, numerous nieces and nephews. Bill's family would like to express their thanks to the staff at Lakeside Nursing Home, Wolseley for their excellent care. The graveside service was held in the Golden Gates Cemetery, Creelman, on Wednesday, June 3, 2009, at 2:00 pm with Rev. Heather Lee officiating. Email or sign the online book of condolences at www.carscaddenfuneralchapel.com. Arrangements in care of G.R. Carscadden Funeral Chapel, Moosomin.
Mary Borys
Mary Borys Late of Weyburn passed away Friday May 29, 2009 at the age of 93 years. Mary was predeceased by her parents, Peter and Pauline Wodzinski; husband Paul Borys; son Larry Borys; great grandson Joel Borys; daughter-in-law Valerie (Eberhardt) Borys; sisters: Katherine (in infancy) Anne, Rose, Frances, Laura and a brother Michael and brothers-in-law; Tom Brown, Bill Skrepnek, Joe Panich, George Schaefer and Vic Rogers, nephews; Robert Panich and Wayne Wodzinski (Mary's God son, who passed away exactly 2 years prior to Mary). She is survived by her children: Lyle Borys, Weyburn and his children: Brett (Juana), Weyburn, Donna (Wes Loucks) Medicine Hat and Ward, Weyburn, Ron (Carol) Borys, Colfax and their children: Shelley Beals of Los Angeles, CA, Sherry (Rob Patterson), Weyburn, Mark (Judy Griffiths) Calgary and Marty (Erin O'Brien) Calgary, Garry (Phyllis) Borys, Weyburn and their children: Lora (Cory Johnson), Lisa (Ken Robertson) Weyburn, and Lana (Lee Bakken) High River, Daryl (Joan) Borys, Regina and their children all of Regina: Chad (Carla McCrie), Sean, Tanya (Richard Tessier) and Miranda (Zach Mitchell), Darlene (Allan) MacNaughton, Weyburn and their children: Dallas (Jen Heintz) Swift Current and Tyler (Crista MacDonald) Grand Priaire, Blaine (Lori) Borys, Elkford, BC and their children: Jamie (John Bower) Lethbridge, Adele (Tate Clarkson) Elkford, BC, and Jodi (Brad Trischuk), Elkford, BC, Blair (Wendy) Borys, Calgary, AB and their daughter Breanna; daughter-in-law Dianne (Ray) Arndt, Weyburn and her children: Ryan (Harmony) Elkford, BC Coreen (Darcy Ward) Weyburn, and Rory (Stacey) Elkford, BC, thirty-seven great grandchildren; Landon and Scott Borys, Jenna, Brody and Lawren Ward, Brooklynn and Ryder Borys, Melayne, Schenley, Dakota, Maren and Adair Borys, Riley, Rody and Kyler Loucks, Joshua Borys-Scott, Justin and Kyira Johnson, Jaxon and Jordyne Robertson, Jayden, Brennah and Grady Bakken, Christopher and Colby Tessier, Ian, Zackery, Keely and Emma Borys, Geneva Michell, Brennan MacNaughton, Ryan, (twins) Ries and Aleks Bower, Jaida and Lindi Clarkson, and Blaine Trischuk. Brother, Peter (Vera) Wodzinski, Weyburn; sisters: Jean (Johnnie) Barney, Edmonton, AB and Helen Rogers, Lac La Biche, AB, sister-in-law, Iris Wodzinski, Edmonton, AB, as well an many nieces and nephews. Mary was born October 3, 1915 on the farm near Tyvan, SK. Over the next fourteen years, she had eight more playmates arrive with the birth of six sisters and two brothers, who absolutely adored their "Sister Mary". Being the eldest, there was no end to work on the farm, and household duties. As a result, Mary wasn't able to attend school until eight years of age and was only able to go until the age of 14, as her help was needed doing field work including haying, ploughing, seeding and harrowing, all done with a team of six horses. In the fall, harvesting and threshing time added to her already heavy workload. She took her schooling at Krakow School very seriously. Mary worked hard as her first language was Ukrainian, her second language was Polish and her third language was English, which she mastered, to the point of not even having an accent. She would say her prayers in Polish to her dying day, and was still trying to teach some of us Ukrainian until her passing. As well, being left-handed, she was forced to write with her right hand, mastering that feat as well. She would drill her younger sisters and brothers with the alphabet and spelling, so they would be much better prepared for school than she had been. After a hard days work, she and "Sister Rose" would haul water from the dug-out or Municipal Well and heat it on the wood burning stove to wash clothes. Using a wash board, they would rub the dirt out until they had blisters covering their hands. Hard work and a stong faith in God carried her through many a hard time. Mary became an excellent cook and baker, as well as an outstanding seemstress for herself and her sisters by simply looking at a catalouge and drawing a pattern on paper. In 1932, the family moved to the Hagen farm six miles north of Cedoux, where a few years later she would meet her future husband, Paul. Her first job which took her away from home in the winter of 1933, had her helping the Pete Kosior family in Griffin, where she attended to three young children whose mother had surgery and wasn't able to lift the little ones. Her next job was at the McBee farm helping with the threshing. In the fall of 1934 she worked for two years at the Fillmore hotel as a chambermaid, earning a whopping $10.00 a month the first year and then received $25.00 a month the second year. In 1936, she and Paul started dating and were married on November 2, 1938 at the Weyburn Roman Catholic Church. They started their family in 1939 with the birth of Larry, followed by the arrivals of Lyle, Ron, Garry, (twins) Daryl and Darlene (finally a daughter), and the last but not least (twins) Blaine and Blair. Always busy, but always happy, Mary loved, and was loved, so very much by her children, their spouses and her grandchildren and great grandchildren as she watched what her and Paul had created, a family that grew to 100 people, and is still growing. She loved to write letters, play cards, especially Canasta, play bingo and listen to music and loved to dance, often remarking "If I die dancing, I die happy". She also loved to tell a good joke and was an entertainer second to none. Her motto was, the bigger the gathering, the better. Mary and Paul farmed the land his parents had homesteaded in 1902, and continued to farm until they retired to Weyburn on 1974. They first owned a duplex, and a number of years later, bought a much bigger home, as the family grew and grew, and she wanted to host everyone, all the time. Following a tragic farming accident in 1990, their first born son, Larry, was taken from the clan. After Paul passed away in 1993, Mary held onto her house until 1996, at which time she moved into an apartment until her lessening vision made it impossible to live alone. Never a complainer, she made a move to her first Home for Seniors, where she lived until requiring major surgery to remove part of her stomach. It was at this time, the Regina General Hospital advised she would require proper nursing care, thus the move to Crocus Villa Nursing Home, then to Souris Valley Extended Care Facility which closed down and moved the participants to Tatagwa View, where she made so very many wonderful friends, and was treated with the utmost respect and kindness. Even though her short term memory started to fade a bit, over the last year, she was able to enjoy every single day to the fullest and brought much happiness to all who came to meet her. As we, her family have often remarked, we feel sorry for anyone who didn't have our beautiful mom as their mother. She had a way of being able to talk to and be listened to with the utmost respect by all her granchildren and great grandchildren who all have said, not once did she ever raise her voice, or a hand to them, and they would absolutely be crushed if they knew they had done or said something to displease her. Even though she would never say a word to them, her eyes spoke volumes about their behaviour, and they would immediately be ashamed of what every they had said or done, and knew they would never bring that look forth again, as they apologized for their actions. Mary was very involved in the CWL, and was an avid curling fan, and loved to watch her boys play hockey and baseball, and follow the Saskatchewan Roughriders whenever their games were broadcasted. She was so proud of her family and loved to hear from them wherever they ended up moving to and following all their kids activities from school age to being parents themselves. She was the babysitter extraordinaire, and the kids always knew a yummy meal of perogies, and or cabbage rolls was just a phone call away, not to mention her fantastic baked goods. Mary had a heart attack on April 9, 2009, and after a brief stay in the hospital, returned to her lovely home at Tatagwa View, where she passed away on May 29, 2009 with her family holding her near and kissing her goodbye and knowing we had lost the Matriarch of the Borys Wodzinski families. To say you will be missed Mom, is an understatement. We know you are watching over each and every one of us and know that God has taken you home with him until we meet again. As you loved, everyone who came to meet and know you, loved and continue to love you back. Prayers were held on Monday, June 1, 2009, 7:00 p.m. from St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church. Funeral Mass was held Tuesday June 2, 2009, 11:00 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church, with Fr. Gerry Bauche, celebrant. Interment followed at the Cedoux Cemetery. For family and friends so wishing donations in memory of Mary may be made to the Tatagwa View Stained Glass Window Fund. Arrangements were entrusted to RD Family Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, Weyburn, SK (848-0333). If so desired, expressions of sympathy to the family may be sent to our website at www.rdfamilymemorialchapel.com "Our family serving your family"
James Francis Madigan
On Wednesday, June 10th, 2009, James Francis Madigan of Ceylon passed away at the Regina General Hospital, at the age of 91 years. Predeceased by his wife, Victoria Madigan; his parents, Thomas and Margaret Madigan; brothers, Carl, Austin, Ambrose (Amy) and Michael (Agnes); sisters, Helen Beres (John) and Margaret Marcotte (Gerald); brothers-in-law, Samual (Julia), Jim (Mary), Dominic, Albert (Mae), Antonio (Ann), Giovanizzo, and sisters-in-law, Rosa Maria and Violanda Giovanizzo. Francis leaves to mourn his family: twelve children: John of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Micheal (Katheleen) of Ceylon, Marie Coubrough of Fort Saskatchewan, AB, Brian (Valerie) of Ceylon, Patrick (Isabel Jesse) of Pangman, Theresa Harvey of Moose Jaw, Gerard of Weyburn, Joseph (Pearl Beland) of Ceylon, Daniel of Pangman, Barbara of Ceylon, Elizabeth "Betty" of Regina and Phyllis of Winnipeg, MB; ten grandchildren and their families: Sherilyn and Rick Danis and son, Jett and Jaxson of Fort Saskatchewan, AB; Shane and Jacqueline Coubrough and Emmersyn of Burns Lake, BC; Dallas Coubrough and Natlie of Edmonton, AB; Kyle Madigan of Ceylon; Matthew Madigan of Pangman; Gordon Harvey and children Joseph and Victoria of Moose Jaw; Harold Harvey of Moose Jaw; Steve and Kathleen Harvey and sons Austin and Kale of Moose Jaw; Terrance and Kat Harvey and Autman of Moose Jaw; Derek Madigan of Weyburn; Karen and Deiter Ludlow of Fort Providence, NWT; Nicole Madigan and Tayor and Tristan Secur of Regina, SK; Shawna Rae Madigan of Weyburn. James Francis Madigan was born on January 14, 1919 in Ceylon. He helped on the family farm at SW 35-5-20 W 2nd, and attended school in Ceylon. In 1942 he worked for various farmers in the area and then went to work for International Nickel of Sudbury before joining the Army. He was released to work in the coal mine and drive truck in Luscar, Alberta, where he met his wife, Victoria Giovinnazzo. They were married in 1944, and moved back to Ceylon in 1946. They lived at NE 12-54-21, where they raised their 12 children, seven sons and five daughters. He started farming on a 1/2 section and it grew to four sections today. Along with his seven sons, he started 3M Farms and several years later he retired, but remained living on the farm. How farming has changed in the 63 years since he started. Francis was a member of the Ceylon Catholic Church board, the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool for over 30 years, and an Honorary Life Member with the Knights of Columbus. His favoured past times included reading, playing cards with the kids, grandchildren and later on with the group of ladies at the Centre in Ceylon where the fun, laughs and coffee was plentiful, visiting with everyone that drove into the yard and the many nights of conversation at the Hardy Curling Club, watching the kids learn and enjoy the game of Curling and in Ceylon with the figure skating, hockey and base ball games as well as curling. In 2004 he was presented with a recognition certificate from the Canadian Wheat Board for 50 years of producing high quality, wholesome food to the Canadian Economy. Most recently, in August of 2008, the family was given the Century Family Farm Award for farming in Saskatchewan 100 years at SW 35-5-20-W 2nd, at which time a family reunion was held and the plaque was presented to them. His greatest joys were having been married for 54 years, having 12 children and 10 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren, of which four were born this year, including a set of twins to his family and a set to his oldest granddaughter. He was very proud to have attended his grandson's graduation from the RCMP in April this year. He will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by all he knew and loved. Prayers were said Sunday, June 14th, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Ceylon. The Mass of Christian Burial was held Monday, June 15th, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. from St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church with Father Gerry Bauche Celebrant. Interment followed in Ceylon Cemetery. The Pallbearers were: Lyle Carlson, Geret Jensen, James Stephenson, Vincent O'Hara, Earnest Sorensen and Michael Allsopp. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Society of Saskatchewan, 301 2550 12th Ave. Regina, SK S4P 3X1, or to the Radville Hospital Foundation, Box 301 Radville, SK, S0C 2G0. Arrangements in care of Hastings-Dionne Funeral Home Inc., Weyburn, SK (842-6662) hdfh.weyburn@sasktel.net.
Annie Ripplinger
On Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009, Annie Ripplinger of Kendal passed away suddenly, at the age of 98 years. Predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Magdeline Schlosser; husband, Frank Joe Ripplinger; one daughter, Anna Marie; grandsons, Darren Richard and Rodney; sisters, Mary, Antonia and Cecelia and one brother, Peter. Annie will be lovingly remembered by her family, four children: James of Regina, Wendal of Indian Head, Dorothy (Henry) Rist of Weyburn and Loretta (Glen) Birnie of Weyburn; two special friends, Lorraine of Regina and Corrien of Montmartre; grandchildren: Marilyn, Dale, Ralph, Ron, Dave, Darren, Ken, Jackie, Cheryl, Kevin, Rodney, Launa, Lisa, Shelly and Tanya; numerous great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; one sister, Katie Seiferling of Regina, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Annie was born May 25th, 1911 to Joseph and Magdeline Schlosser at Sedley. After her marriage to Frank Joe Ripplinger, they lived at Kendal until 1997 when she moved to Weyburn to live with her daughter for three years, before moving to a very special care home, Hilltop Manor, where she lived for nine years. Annie was a strong Catholic, very devoted to her religion and always involved with the Alter Society. She served lunch for many funerals and loved to sing in Mass. Annie volunteered for everything. She enjoyed doing puzzles and seek-a-word. She loved to crochet and did a lot of Tatting. Her garden and plants were another hobby she enjoyed. Annie was an excellent cook and baker, and her family, especially her grandchildren, enjoyed their time with her when they were young, and she took great pride in them. Annie was so special to her family, she will be missed by us all. We were so happy to have a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother and friend for as long as we did. The Mass of Christian Burial was held Thursday, June 11th, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. from St. Ignatius Roman Catholic Church in Kendal with Father Aguinaldo Fermo Celebrant. Interment followed in St. Ignatius Roman Catholic Cemetery, Kendal. The Pallbearers were her granddaughters: Jackie Kovatch, Cheryl Yungen, Launa Birnie, Lisa Birnie, Shelly Ripplinger and Tanya Slinn. For those wishing, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Ignatius Cemetery, Kendal, in memory of Annie. Arrangements were entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapels Ltd., Weyburn. (842-5432) ffc.weyburn@sasktel.net
Gordon Campbell
The family of Gordon Campbell is sad to announce his passing on May 28, 2009. He leaves to mourn his loss, his beloved wife, Florence, his son Robert (Peggy) Campbell, daughters Joan Engel and Heather (Abraham) van der Breggen; his grandchildren Jonathon Campbell and Stephanie (Sean) Parkinson and son Mannix; Rickee-Lee (Jeremie) Webster and Zachary Engel. Gordon was born in Trochu, AB on August 6, 1921 to Robert (Bert) and Jean Campbell. He spent his early years with his parents on a homestead farm at Ghost Pine Creek, AB. He had a lifelong love of flying and joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1941 and became a pilot. Later in life he continued to fly as a hobby and was fortunate to have owned four different aircraft over the years. He met the love of his life, Florence Adams Lawrence, when she became the new teacher at Sarcee Butte school in Alberta. Florence captured his heart and held it until the day he passed. They were married in 1942. Gordon joined the Alberta Wheat Pool in 1946 and held various positions until his retirement in Cagary in 1983. During his retirement he volunteered at the Aerospace Museum and Grain Museum in Calgary and met monthly with a Current Events group where there was vigorous discussion about a variety of topics. In recent years he spent many hours in the library reading newspapers from around the world and researching topics of interest on the internet. Five years ago Gordon and Florence moved to Weyburn to be closer to family members. They were warmly embraced by the community and Gordon's life was full of activity and friends. In the weeks prior to his passing he had purchased a tractor and had spent many happy hours working on it to ensure that it would be in top working condition. He was looking forward to flying the remote controlled airplane that he had received as a gift the previous week. Gordon loved each of his family unconiditionally and their memories of him will be cherished. He was a "gentle" man and will be greatly missed. A memorial service for Gordon Campbell was held on May 28, 2009 at RD Funeral Home in Weyburn. Donations in his memory may be made to the Weyburn Humane Society.
Leona Elenora Gess (nee Altwasser)
Leona passed away peacefully on May 23, 2009 with her family by her side. Leona was born in Yellow Grass where she later married Ren Gess, and resided until 1981 when they retired to Kelowna, BC. In 1989 Leona returned to Saskatchewan as a widow, enjoying Luther Heights in Saskatoon as home. Leona loved the beauty of nature, was an avid reader, particularly of current affairs, had been a school teacher, and was deeply involved in her church. Her five great-grandchildren were the joy of her life! Leona will be lovingly remembered by her surviving family; daughter Debra Gess (Barry) Nygren; grandsons, John Adam (Deborah) Nelson and Steven (Sarah) Nelson; five great-grandchildren, John, Logan, Marissa, Isabelle, Connor; sister Elva Timm; sisters-in-law, Esther and Colleen Altwasser; and many extended relatives and friends. Leona was predeceased by her husband, Ren Gess, brothers, Wally, Eddy, and Alvin Altwasser; sister, Irene Altwasser; numerous in-laws and one nephew. A Celebration of Leona's Life was held on May 30, 2009 at 2:00 P.M. at Peace Lutheran Church in Yellow Grass. Memorial donations to Gideons International. Arrangements were entrusted to Dalmeny Funeral Home, Dalmeny, SK (306) 254-2022.
