It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Rita Mooney who passed peacefully at home on April 17th , at the age of 68. She was born November 24th, 1951.

Rita’s work took her many places through the years. She met her soul mate Dave Mooney, moved to the farm near
Imperial SK and they married on January 2nd , 1999.

Rita’s vitality and sharp wit were always enjoyed; she quickly made new friends and became actively involved in the community. After working at Kelly’s General Store for many years, she decided to buy it when the occasion arose. She was excited for an opportunity that allowed her to continue to contribute to the community she had grown to love and call home.

An avid gardener, Rita loved to be out doors and next to nature. The many pine trees, Saskatoon berry bushes and
flowers that adorn the farm pay tribute to this. Large vegetable and potato crops were planted and harvested even though, “those darn potato beetles”, were always a pet peeve of hers.

Rita was a very creative person, her hands were rarely still. She loved quilting, wood burning, sculpting with her scroll saw and painting. She was always trying new techniques and had a unique talent of visualizing an object and seeing it for another use. She would often enlist Dave’s help to laminate wood, build her a new template or manufacture pieces in his shop.

Together they would tweak and adjust until they were satisfied with the outcome. These works of “heart” have made their way into many of our homes and are truly cherished.

Family love is a special type of love that comes with its own unique feelings. Rita was a dedicated mother first and
foremost. She treasured her children and embraced every moment with them. She especially loved her role as grandma and enjoyed teaching and sharing her many creative talents with her grandchildren.

She is held close in the hearts of her husband Dave; daughters Kim Rabut (Mark) and Trina Leedahl (Mark), her mother and father in-law Norman and Cleone Mooney, step-daughters Anita Webster (Aaron) and Candace Mooney, granddaughters Michaela, Gabriell, Brianna, Brooklynn and grandsons Carter and Trevor. Her siblings: Ingrid Lindbergh (Fenton), Roger Hirschfeld, Brenda Miner (Doug), Ernie Hirschfeld (Gale). Her extended family; Stan Spendelow, Howard Mooney (Gerri), Grant Mooney (Bev), Holly Marvin (Dave), Dianne Mooney (Colin) and many nieces and nephews.

Rita has been reunited with her parents Adam and Erna Hirschfeld, her sister Edith Spendelow, her brother Byron
Hirschfeld and step-sons Eric and Aaron Mooney, in eternity.

On behalf of Rita we would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the Davidson Home Care nurses from the Heartland Health Region. Your special attention and extra care meant so very much to her.

A private celebration of Rita’s life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.

“Feel no guilt in laughter; she’d know how much you care.
Feel no sorrow in a smile that she’s not here to share.
You cannot grieve forever; she would not want you to.
She’d hope that you could carry on the way you always do.
So talk about the good times and the way you showed you cared, the days you spent together, all the happiness you shared. Let memories surround you, a word someone may say will suddenly re-capture a time, an hour, a day,
that brings her back so clearly as though she were still here, and fills you with the feeling that she is always near.
For if you keep those moments, you will never be apart
and she will live forever, locked safely in your heart.”

October 23, 1930 – April 11, 2020

It is with great sadness the family of Phyllis Mason announce her passing on April 11, 2020 at the Davidson Health Care Centre.

Phyllis is survived by her loving husband Glen and son Allan (Jocelyn Ainsworth) and daughter Avery and son Robert and daughters Kennedy, Camryn and Paige.

A service for Phyllis will be held at a later date.

For those so wishing, memorial donations in memory of Phyllis may be directed to Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church in Davidson or the Davidson Health Trust Fund – cheques payable for the Health Trust payable to the Town of Davidson.

Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson in care of arrangements.

MARCH 28, 1932 – APRIL 16, 2020

It is with great sadness that the family of Doris McNabb announces her passing on April 16, 2020 with family by her side at the age of 88 years.

Doris will forever be remembered by her daughter Debbie (Neil) Warken and their son Cole, and son Murray (Norah) and their children Allan (Katie), Jessie (Jared), Terry (Christina). Doris will also be lovingly remembered by her 7 great-grandchildren; Davin, Jayla, Maddy, Braelyn, Zack, Bryton and River.

Doris was predeceased by her husband Carman. Doris spent many of her years hauling meals to the field and helping the guys move from field to field. Doris was well known for her baking abilities and
always had fresh baking on hand. Her grandkids continue to argue which kind of Grandmas cookies were the best especially when paired with milk shakes.

Doris took pride in her garden and yard. Doris always appreciated and always had time for anyone who would stop in for a visit.

Doris has spent the last few years at the Davidson Health Center and the family would like to extend their appreciation to Dr. Lang and the staff at the facility for their kindness, compassion and hard work, especially in her final days.

Doris will be remembered by many for her kind spirit, and her welcoming smile that would light up a room.

The family would like to thank Ursula Wiig for doing the service. The family would also like to thank Todd and Hanson’s Funeral Home for the great care in making all the funeral arrangements.

A private family service for Doris was held at Davidson Community Cemetery where Doris was laid to rest beside her husband Carman.

For those so wishing, memorial donations in memory of Doris may be directed to the Davidson United Church or the Davidson Cemetery Fund. Cemetery donations payable to the Town of
Davidson. Hanson’s Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

1924 – 2020

It is with sadness that the family of Muriel Spencer (nee Martin) announces her passing April 13, 2020 at long term care residence in Calgary.

Muriel was the 3rd of 9 children born to Robert and Isobel Martin at
Renown, Saskatchewan.

Muriel took her schooling at Mount Loraine country school. She later moved to Imperial, Saskatchewan to work with her Uncle Carl Munro at the Imperial Co-op Store and remained employed there for 8 years. It was here that she met her husband of 68 years, Dr. Gordon H. Spencer.

Muriel and Gordon were married in Imperial, June 18, 1950. Gordon took over the family farm at Penzance, Saskatchewan and established his veterinarian practise there.

In 1960 the family moved into Craik, Saskatchewan. In additional to raising their 5 children (Dawn, Richard, Merle, Owen and Jenny) Muriel was Gordon’s bookkeeper. She sang in the Craik United Church choir and taught Messengers, the Craik young children’s church group. She grew gardens that fed her love of flowers, canning and pickling. Muriel was an avid baker with a pie crust that her family just can’t duplicate.

Gordon accepted a position in Saskatoon with the Department of Agriculture and moved the family to Saskatoon before settling in Calgary. Here Muriel continued to grow her gardens and sing in the church choir. In addition to being grass root members of Deer Park United Church in Calgary and after Gordon retired, together
they headed up the Seniors Group at the church for a number of years.

The family grew to add 9 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Muriel and Gordon were very lucky to be together until Gordon’s passing March 2019.

She is survived by her sisters, Isobel Jones, Evelyn Ullyott and Catherine Cutler.

A Celebration of Life for Muriel will be held at Deer Park United Church, at a later date.

1938 – 2020

Robert Gordon Palmer (Bob) was the oldest child born to Gordon and Hazel Palmer on July 9, 1938. He was followed by siblings Larry, Jack and Lois. The family resided west of Bladworth on the farm where they farmed. On June 16, 1962 he married Monette Wood of Girvin. They established their own yard one mile west of Bladworth where they continued to reside until their respective passings.

Bob and Monette’s passion, aside from grain farming, became purebred cattle. In 1974 they joined the Charolais Breeder association and were active for many decades. In 1983 Bob and Monette were awarded the Saskatchewan Charolais Association (SCA) Breeder of the year award, in 2001 the SCA Honor Scroll and in 2017 were presented with the Canadian Charolais Association Honor Roll. They too great pride in their cattle and were proud that their nephew Velon took an interest in the cattle and joined their operation in 1991.

Bob truly loved the farm. In the last few years as his mobility started to decline, it didn’t stop him from keeping an eye on what was going on. He still had the energy to make it to his truck in seeding and
harvest, where he would spend the day driving from field to field making sure the “boys” were doing what they should be. Nothing gave him more pride then watching his nephews Velon, Doug, Len and most recently, Hunter, putting in and harvesting the crop. He never missed a day in the field, even this past fall, when harvest seemed to go on forever. He was always waiting to give someone a ride for parts, or to help move trucks from field to field. Sometimes this involved interrupting his nap he would take while sitting in his truck, but he was always more than willing to drive anyone, anywhere.

He also loved the cattle and spent countless hours watching the cameras until the wee hours of the morning during calving season. He would sit at the kitchen table and stare at the screen for hours on
end. One of his last wishes was to attend the on farm bull sale on March 9. He had been in Davidson long term care for a few weeks prior to this, and we weren’t sure if he would be able to make it. But
thanks to the staff there, they made his last wish come true. A huge thank you to Ang Stagland and Gloria Zdunich for volunteering their time and making this happen. He was able to come out to the sale
and spent the afternoon visiting with many friends from near and far.

Bob passed away on April 7, 2020. He is survived by his nephews Velon Herback (Leah and family Hunter, Halle, Hayla, and Hinton), Len Palmer (Richelle and family Macy & Mason) and Doug Palmer
(family Jesselynne, Axel, Henry, William and Gordon). Sister, Lois Herback, sister in laws: Sylvia Palmer, Darlene Palmer and Virgie Johnson, as well as numerous other nieces, nephews and friends.

The family would like to thank Sharon O’Brien for your loyal dedication to both Bob and Monette this past year. You helped make it possible for Bob to stay in his home as long as possible after Monette’s passing in December. Also, to good friends Ken and Sharon Church who were always there to offer a ride to doctor’s appointments or simply just to visit, which Bob loved to do. Thank you also to Dr. Lang and the staff at Davidson Health Center for making his stay so comfortable the last couple of months.
He would often say “this is a pretty good place to be!”

A memorial service will follow this summer, pending gathering restrictions. Arrangements entrusted to Hanson’s Funeral Home.

August 14, 1937 – October 17, 2019

Frank was born August 14, 1937 in the Chatham district, only child of John and Jessie Sagen. He attended school at Chatham, grades 1 through 8, and helped his parents farm. Frank got to and from school by either walking or on horseback, uphill both ways. Frank mentioned wrapping barbwire around his shoes for traction in the winter months. He was accepted to Bedford Road Collegiate School in Saskatoon, but due to the late harvest Frank did not go.

Frank married Joan Harris on October 24, 1959 at the Kenaston Evangelical Church (Church of the Hill). They moved to Saskatoon where Frank was employed at Asphalt Services Limited (ASL Services) and their sons Doug and Ken were born. In 1966 Frank and Joan moved to the farm and three more children were born, Jeff, Brian and Susan. The family enjoyed travelling to many places until Joan moved to the Lodge in 1985.

Frank farmed all of his life growing a variety of crops and raised chickens, pigs, cattle and milk cows. For many years, he farmed with his cousin Peter Forden until Peter’s passing and also with children. Frank was on the McCraney No. 282 council for two years 1975-1976. He sold small farm tools for Smith-Roles for 20 years and was a rep for Klassic Advertising in Saskatoon. Frank had a very creative mind trying to think of new things and ideas. He kept diaries since the early 1960s. Frank was vice president of the Seniors Club in Kenaston 2012-2013 and involved with the Optimist Club of Davidson, president 2012-2013. He was also a long-time member of the local co-ops.

Frank passed away at Davidson Health Care Centre on Oct. 17, 2019 where he had been a patient for two months.

Frank was predeceased by his parents John and Jessie and wife Joan. Frank is survived by five children and their families:

Doug (Caramell) and children Michelle (Devan), Haley (Zach) of Lloydminster; Ken of Kenaston; Jeff (Tara) and children Evan, Brett and Sara of Kenaston; Brian (Debbie) and children Chantel (Phillip) Elliot, Ryan (Brittney) and children Emma, Ian, Nicole (Mitchell) of Thorsby, Alberta; and Susan of Kenaston. A funeral service was held October 24, 2019 at Kenaston Place with Pastor Gregg Rustulka, Evangelical Missionary Church, officiating. Hanson’s Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.