OBITUARIES

On Wednesday, December 16, 1998, Jean Marie Woitas (nee Baldock) late of Radville, passed away at the age of 74 years. Jean was born September 30, 1924 in Sedley, SK. She is survived by her husband, Lawrence of 48 years; five sons: David (Helen) Woitas of Regina; Lyle (Susan) Woitas of Stony Plain, AB; Joseph (Gerri) Woitas of Lake Alma; Michael (Debbie) Woitas of Pilot Butte; Grant (Louanne) Woitas of Moose Jaw; and one daughter, Dianne (Archie) Foley of Coronach; 20 grandchildren; one great grandchild; her sisters and brothers: Mabel Lafurgy of Winnipeg; Edith Palmerton of Brampton, ON; Norman (Jean) Baldock of Winnipeg; Violet (Bill) Klotz of Regina; Florence (Fred) Glass and Grace (Elmer) Kilback, both of Sedley; and Margret (Roy) Kilback of Regina; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by one son, Fabian and a grandson, Jeremy; her father and mother Ernest and Amelia Baldock; sister Lilian, and brother Ernest. Many thanks to special friends and all those who helped Mom in her courageous battle with cancer over the past few years! Prayers were said Friday, December 18 at 6:30 p.m. from Holy Family Roman Catholic Church, Radville. The funeral mass was held Saturday, December 19 at 10:30 a.m. from Holy Family Roman Catholic Church with Father Francis Hengen celebrant. Interment followed in St. Blaise Cemetery, Lake Alma. All those in attendance were considered to be honorary pallbearers. The active pallbearers were: Derek Woitas, James Woitas, Dwayne Kilback, Delbert Klotz, Leo LaBelle and Natasha Woitas. For friends so wishing, donations may be made to the Radville Marian Health Center Palliative Care Fund, in her memory. Arrangements were entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapels Ltd., Weyburn.

On Monday, January 18, 1999, Jessie Josephine "Dot" Richards, late of Weyburn, passed away at the age of 86 years. Predeceased by her father and mother, James and Jessie Duncan; her husband, Harold; brothers and sisters: Jim, Alex, Norman, Alice, Mary and Marjorie; grandson, Phillip Deitz; a granddaughter in infancy; and great grandson, Robert Hepburn. Dot is survived by one son Marvin (Madelene) Richards of Weyburn and one daughter, Adeline (George) Deitz of Weyburn; six grandchildren: Brenda (William) Kraft, Garth (Nadine) Deitz, Rodney (Debbie) Richards, Danny Richards, Wade (Melanie) Richards, Wendy (Robert) Hepburn, and Phillip's wife, Cathy Deitz; ten great grandchildren; one brother, Fred Duncan of Midale; two sisters: Gladys Richards of Weyburn, and Lois Duncan of Quesnel, BC; as well as many nieces and nephews. Jessie was born April 27, 1912 at Gap View, Forget, SK where she grew up and received her education.The family moved to Huntoon in 1928. On August 28,1930, Jessie was married to Harold Richards at the Baptist Church in Weyburn by T.C. Douglas. Harold and Jessie lived in various places in Ontario, Man. and Sask. They had two children, Marvin and Adeline. They lived in Huntoon until retiring to Stoughton New Hope Lodge. After Harold's passing in 1982, Dot lived in Stoughton a few more years, then moved to Pioneer Place in Weyburn. She lived there for several years, then moved to Weyburn Special Care Home, where she resided at the time of her passing. Dot was a member of the Ladies Aid at Huntoon, and a member of the United Church. She enjoyed playing cards, bingo, knitting, playing the piano and doing embroidery work and sewing. She dearly loved her family, and will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by all. Funeral service was held Thursday, January 21 at 10:30 a.m. from Fletcher Funeral Chapel, Weyburn, with Rev. John Ferrier officiating. Interment followed in Green Acres Memorial Gardens, Weyburn. All those in attendance were considered to be honorary pallbearers. The active pallbearers were her grandchildren and great grandchildren: Garth Deitz, Rodney Richards, Danny Richards, Wade Richards, Devon Richards and Chris Deitz. For friends so wishing, donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association or to a charity of the donor's choice, in her memory. Arrangements were entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapels Ltd., Weyburn.

On Saturday, January 16, 1999, S. Frances Sample, late of Pangman, passed away at the age of 82 years. Predeceased by her mother and father, John Milton and Alice Gertrude Bond; her husband, Robert James Sample in 1982; two sisters, Dorothy Bond and Connie Bond; and one brother, Joseph Bond. Frances will be lovingly remembered by her children: Jeff (Mary) Sample of Pangman; Elsie (Martin) Perkins of Regina; and R. Rocky Sample of Pangman; three grandchildren: Robert (Dianne) Perkins of Colorado Springs, Col.; Sandra Perkins of Regina; and Jennifer Sample of Saskatoon; niece and nephews: Gordon Sample, Karen (Larry) Murray and Barry (Isobel) Sample, and their families. Frances was born on a homestead, SE 12-8-21 W2, near Amulet on July 11, 1916. The family moved to Missouri, then to Pangman in 1919, from Pangman to the farm in 1921. She started attending Amulet school in 1922, graduating in 1935. Frances managed the household for her parents and brother, washing clothes, baking bread and looking after pigs, chickens, geese and orphaned lambs. She made clothes for her mother and herself, and coats and mittens for neighbor's children, and helped her brother, Joe with his shoe repair business. In 1939 she married R.J. Sample at Ceylon, and moved to the Black Oak school district south of Pangman. They boarded the school teacher from 1952 until the school closed in 1955, and the school bus came on the scene. Her main interests were homemaking, public speaking, and the history and folklore of her community. She spearheaded the custom of placing markers where country schools had been situated, to commemorate our early settlers. Frances was a member of the Rebekah Lodge for 20 years. She was secretary for the Pangman United Church Women, and a member of the Pangman Recreation Board for a number of years. As a member of the local branch of the Saskatchewan Genealogical Society, she has helped collect cemetery lists and index history books. Her hands were always busy whether with knitting needles, crochet hook, various crafts, or pen and paper. She was in her glory helping with events like: Homecoming 71, Celebrate Saskatchewan 1980, school reunions, and Heritage Days 1985 at which time was celebrated 75 years for Pangman and the R.M. of Norton. In 1985 she conducted tours of the town naming by memory the people who had lived there through the years. In 1981 she was assistant editor of the local history book "From the Roughbark to the Buttes." Some local diaries were later discovered and she privately published them in 1982 as "Pangman and Amulet's Past." She published "Arctic Letters" for Isabel Sheppard who had saved letters written while working at a hospital at Pangnirtung, Baffin Island. Another book, "Taxpayers and Tenants" was published in 1989 in two volumes and includes the people of Amulet, Pangman, Moreland, Old Forward, New Forward, Khedive, and the Four Corners. Copies of all these books were donated to the local libraries. Another local history book "Update 95" was published in July 1998 and Frances was secretary of that project, typing the stories into the computer. She also started collecting local municipal maps, and indexing the landholders. She was the treasurer of the local genealogical branch for 13 years, and editor of the newsletter, "Twigs and Leaves." Frances was always interested in helping others. Frances was the recipient of the Southeast Saskatchewan Volunteer Recognition Award in the Area of Heritage; in 1993, the Saskatchewan Canada 125 Award in recognition of outstanding volunteer service to Saskatchewan and Canada; the first Saskatchewan Genealogical Society Inc. Heritage Volunteer of the Year Award in 1997. Her labors of love on many books of history and folklore from our communities will live on helping others in their research of history and genealogy. A private family service was held Saturday, January 23 at 1:30 p.m. from Fletcher Funeral Chapel, Weyburn, with Rev. Christa Eidsness officiating. A private family interment followed in Pangman cemetery. Flowers gratefully declined. Donations to the Allan Blair Cancer Clinic, or the Saskatchewan Genealogical Society Inc., Box 1894, Regina, Sask. S4P 3E1. Arrangements were entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapels Ltd., Weyburn.

On Sunday, January 17, 1999, Anne Ksenych, late of Stoughton, passed away at the age of 84 years. Predeceased by her parents, Dmytro and Yustina Beyak; one brother, Steven in infancy; sister Pearl Syrnyk; brother Mike Beyak; sister Irene Brown; and brother Harry Beyak. Anne leaves to mourn her husband, Andrew of Stoughton; her sons; Paul James (Joan) of Guelph, ON; Donald Blaine (Lynda) of Kitchener, ON; Sylvester Andrew (Constance Roussel) of Stoughton; one daughter, Lorraine Evelynn of Moose Jaw; grandchildren: Dan, Janet, Holly, Ryan, Geoffrey and Brendan; one brother, George Beyak of Abbotsford, BC; and friend Kathleen Ksenych of Stoughton; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. Anne's family came through the immigration back in the 1890's from eastern Europe. She was born in Winnipegosis, MB on July 1, 1914. When asked where she was born, she would say 'under a hay stack'. Anne received her grade eight education. At a very young age she worked on the farm and was out working for other people by the age of 13. She was cooking for 25 men by that time. She married Andrew Ksenych on May 25, 1944. They had four children. Andrew and Anne lived in Inness and Foude. She ran a chicken farm and enjoyed planting flowers around the yard. Some of her many hobbies were knitting, gardening, quilting and she loved to read. She also sold many quilts. Anne was involved with the United Church and was a member of the Ladies Aid. She also attended the Greek Orthodox Church in Montmartre and Moose Jaw. She was always around her grandchildren when they were born and was very proud of her children and of their accomplishments. Funeral service was held Friday, January 22, at 2:00 p.m. from Knox Presbyterian Church, Weyburn, with Rev. John Ferrier officiating. Interment followed in Green Acres Memorial Gardens, Weyburn. All those in attendance were considered to be honorary pallbearers. The active pallbearers were Paul Ksenych, Don Ksenych, Sy Ksenych, Ryan Ksenych, Geoffery Ksenych, Dwight Brown and Duane Brown. Those wishing to express their sympathy may donate to the Canadian Cancer Research Society Inc. Arrangements were in care of Hastings-Dionne Funeral Home Inc., Weyburn.

On Thursday, January 14, 1999, Joseph Walter Fulawka, late of Weyburn, passed away at Weyburn Special Care Home, at the age of 87 years. Predeceased by his parents, Michael and Nellie Fulawka; two brothers: Frank and Stanley Fulawka; two sisters: Mary Yurkowski and Jean Lazar; two brothers-in-law: John Yurkowski and Andrew Lazar. Joseph is survived by his wife Annie Fulawka of Weyburn; his children: Shirley (Leo) Pyret of Weyburn; Ray (Rose) Fulawka of Regina; and Iris (Bill) Fulawka of Calgary; eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Funeral service was held Monday, January 18 at 10:00 a.m. from Fletcher Funeral Chapel, Weyburn, with Father Francis Hengen officiating. Interment followed in Hillcrest Cemetery, Weyburn. All those in attendance were considered to be honorary pallbearers. Members of his family were active pallbearers. For friends so wishing, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, in his memory. Arrangements were entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapels Ltd., Weyburn.

On Saturday, January 16, 1999, Ernest Lawrence Gerhardt, late of Weyburn, passed away at the age of 73 years. Ernest was predeceased by his parents: Jacob and Carolina Gerhardt; brother-in-law, Reinhold Mantay; and sister-in-law, Eva Gerhardt. Ernest leaves to mourn, his brothers and sisters: Elfrieda Mantay of Weyburn; Bernard Gerhardt of Weyburn; Wilfred (Helen) Gerhardt of Winfield, BC; Leona (Donald) Sinclair of St. Albert, AB; Violet (Andrew) Roesslein of Weyburn; Harold (Lila) Gerhardt of Nanaimo, BC; and Elmer (Betty) Gerhardt of Milwaukee, Oregon; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral service was held Thursday, January 21, at 2:00 p.m. from Hastings-Dionne Funeral Home Chapel, Weyburn, with Pastor Virgil Anderson officiating. Cremation with interment at a later date. All those in attendance were considered to be honorary pallbearers. Those wishing to express their sympathy may donate to the Weyburn Mental Health Association in his memory. Arrangements were in care of Hastings-Dionne Funeral Home Inc., Weyburn.

On Thursday, January 14, 1999, Lydia Florence Ledingham, late of Pangman, passed away at the age of 83 years. Predeceased by her parents, Herbert and Alsie Guest; two brothers: Reg and Bill; one sister, Lillian Rowland; six brothers-in-law: Griff Heath, Alec Heath, Steve Webb, Art Orton, Bannock Rowland and Robert Ledingham; four sisters-in-law: Alice Guest, Lucille Ledingham, Grace Wolfe and Marie Nevill; one nephew, Bob Guest; and her husband, Alex on December 2, 1979. Lydia is survived by her children: Byron (Linda) Ledingham and their children: Rhonalyn, Lani and Britton of Pangman; and Grace (Eugene) Lerat and their children: Michael, Alisha, Tracey and Tyler of Regina; her brother and sisters: May Heath, Gladys Heath, Dorothy Webb, and Cecil (Marguerite) Guest, all of Pangman; and Eva Orton of Richmond, BC; two brothers-in-law Blake Wolfe and Basil Nevill of Straffordville, ON; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Lydia Florence Ledingham was born December 14, 1915 at Hardy, SK to Herbert and Alsie Guest. She took all her schooling at Egypt Valley school, a small country school. It was often told how the girls would milk eight cows before they walked the 2-1/2 miles to school. Lydia put a high value on education and was especially proud of her 100% on her grade 12 trigonometry final. Having lost her mom when she was 10, and having graduated in the depression years, this made her strong as adversity builds character. On October 30, 1940 she was united in marriage to Alex Ledingham. Alex and Lydia farmed southeast of Pangman until retiring to town in 1978. Lydia loved her garden, flowers, crocheting, knitting, and was an excellent cook and homemaker. She taught Sunday School and was especially proud of her grandchildren. Lydia valued being on time for events. It is told how all the clocks in the house when the family was growing up, were set 10-15 minutes ahead of time. She was also not one to compromise her beliefs as if to know that second rate decisions don't bring top rate results. Most important, Lydia had a deep faith in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Lydia and Alex worked hard together the 39 years they were married. They were blessed with good family, friends and neighbors. She especially enjoyed their new home in Pangman. Due to failing health, Lydia moved to Beautiful Plains Villa in Yellow Grass in March, 1991 and then to Souris Valley Extended Care Centre, Weyburn, in September 1995. Funeral service was held Saturday, January 16 at 2:00 p.m. from Pangman Bethel Mission, Pangman, with Pastor John Rousseaux and Pastor Rudi Werner officiating. Interment followed in Pangman Cemetery. Pallbearers were Cliff Kaufmann, Barry Sample, Lloyd Lillejord, Wayne Lillejord, Wayne Powers and Harry Sheppard. For friends so wishing, donations may be made to the Deep South Personal Care Home, Pangman, in her memory. Arrangements were entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapels Ltd., Weyburn.

On Friday, January 15, 1999, Emmaratta Winnifred "Winnie" Thomas, late of Weyburn, passed away at the age of 83 years. Predeceased by her father and mother: Perry and Annie Demorest; brother, Charles Demorest; granddaughter, Sheila Thomas and son-in-law, Paul Picard. Winnie is survived by her husband, Owen Thomas of Weyburn; her children: Charlie (Alice) Thomas of Tantallon, SK; Mary Picard of Moose Jaw; and Bev Thomas of Regina; grandchildren: Lorraine (Allen) Kentz of Regina; Lynda (Kevin) Simpson of Weyburn; Terry Dahlman of Moose Jaw; Paula Tolley (Bob) of Moose Jaw; Candace Picard (Greg) of Moose Jaw; Randy (Brenda) Cheater of Regina; Naomi Magdaline (Robert) of Regina; 11 great grandchildren; sister, Mary Gurney of Tantallon, SK; as well as several nieces and nephews, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. Winnie was born at Earl Grey in 1915. She received her schooling in Pilot Butte and in different schools in the Regina area up to grade eight. They lived around Regina until 1930 when they moved to Moosomin. She married Owen Thomas in 1936 at Moosomin. They moved to Miniota in 1936 and lived there approximately two years, then moved to Moosomin in 1938. They moved to Tantallon in 1942 and lived there until 1959 when they moved to Handsworth where Owen was an elevator agent. Then upon retirement, they moved to Weyburn in 1981 where she resided until her passing. Winnie was involved in the United Church and Ladies Aid when they lived in Tantallon. She enjoyed reading and playing cards and loved visiting with family and friends. She had a special love for animals, especially dogs. Winnie and Owen celebrated their 50th and 60th wedding anniversaries with their family and were able to attend their grandchildren's weddings. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. Funeral service was held Tuesday, January 19 at 10:00 a.m. from Grace United Church, Weyburn, with Bill Corkum officiating minister. Interment followed in South Cemetery, Moosomin, with Grace Armstrong officiating. All those in attendance were considered to be honorary pallbearers. The active pallbearers were: Bob Rice, Randy Cheater, Kevin Simpson, Gordon Gurney, Allen Kentz and Matthew Rainey. Those wishing to express their sympathy may donate to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan in her memory. Arrangements were in care of Hastings-Dionne Funeral Home Inc., Weyburn.

On Wednesday, January 20, 1999, Mary Hutt, late of Weyburn, passed away at Souris Valley Regional Care Center, at the age of 91 years. Predeceased by her parents, her husband John; two daughters: Eva Hutt and Jeanette Bocian; three brothers: Alex Koszman, Mike Koszman and John Koszman; and a grandson, Gregory Bocian. Mary is survived by one daughter, Anne (Harry) Sobchuk of Lang; two sons: Henry (Marge) Hutt of Tribune; and Jim (Elaine) Hutt of Weyburn; one son-in-law, Tony Bocian of Weyburn; 17 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren; one brother, Bill Cushman of Regina; two sisters: Eva Dobryden of Regina; and Dorothy (Steve) Sobchuk of Regina; as well as many nieces and nephews. Mary was born May 15, 1907 in Tribune. She attended Greendale School and had a strong religious upbringing, and was very involved with the church. On May 6, 1926 she married John Hutt at Tribune. They homesteaded west of Tribune, where they lived until moving to Weyburn in 1972. Mary enjoyed sewing, gardening, flowers, writing poetry and stories, canning and baking. She entered her flowers in many horticultural shows. She also helped cater with different community groups for local functions. She boarded priests, nuns, teachers and children going to catechism. In the early years she had church services and she also sewed vestments for the priests. After they moved to Weyburn she boarded several RCMP. Mary and John celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1976, and last year Mary celebrated her 90th birthday. Prayers were said Friday, January 22 at 7:00 p.m. from Fletcher Funeral Chapel, Weyburn. The funeral mass was held Saturday, January 23 at 10:00 a.m. from Blessed Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church, Weyburn, with Father Basil Obarianyk officiating. Interment followed in Holy Family Cemetery, Tribune. All those in attendance were considered to be honorary pallbearers. The active pallbearers were her grandsons: Gene Sobchuk, Dennis Sobchuk, Michael Bocian, Vladimir Bocian, Andrew Bocian, Mervin Hutt, Jonathan Hutt and Brent Hutt. In lieu of flowers, for friends so wishing, donations may be made to the South Central Health District Foundation or to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Saskatchewan, in her memory. Arrangements were entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapels Ltd., Weyburn.

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