December 18, 1929 – April 14, 2023

There is No Better Gift in Life…

Than Life itself…

            Mom was born in Saskatoon, Dec. 18^th, 1929 to Roy & Linda Arnold of Kelfield, SK.

All through her childhood, Mom grew up on her parent’s farm just outside of Kelfield.  They grew crops & Gardens, Also raised cows, horses, chickens, sheep, pigs etc.

            When Mom was 8 years old, she was blessed with a new baby brother named Earl, now making them a family of 4.  She loved having  baby brother.

            Mom’s cousin Phyllis told me, they never lived far from each other as kids. And every Saturday morning Mom would go to Phyllis’s & they would snare gophers. I guess now we know where Montey got his snaring talents from, Mom.

            Mom loved curling, riding horses, dances & playing her guitar. She told me that a friend taught her how to play guitar & they played at many dances…but if she came home late Grandad would let out a Beller “the milk still needs to be delivered!” She still never got away from doing chores!!! But I do believe she had a pretty good childhood!

            Mom was also taught how to be a switch board operator from a cousin. (there were many cousins in the Arnold family). She told me that was the Best Job she EVER had. “I just loved it” and I don’t doubt that…she loved her phone!

            Mom married William Yohnke, December 22, 1948 in Edson, Alberta. They had 3 children: Mervin Oct. 1949, Irvin Nov. 1950 & Darlene March 1953. They moved around a lot…there were many challenges & things did not work out. Mom was left alone now with 3 kids to care for in Bengough, SK…Rough times.

            In the early 60’s she met my dad, Charles Stevenson. He had a farm/ranch with family & hired hands in the Big Muddy Valley south of Bengough, Sask. He took Mom & children there to live with them. In June of 1963 I was born, 14 months later, August 25, 1964 Charles (my dad) passed away of a stroke at the age of 37. Needless to say, Mom had to leave the farm & now had 4 kids to look after…more rough times.

            In the late 60’s she met Dale Jensen of Bengough. He convinced her to move to Bladworth, Sask as he had a job at Allan Potash Mine. We moved there in June of 1970. Mom had another baby, Montey, April 1971.

            All through the years in Bladworth there were many big gardens, lots of canning & freezing…many wonderful Grand Children were born & loved. Mom also took the Home Care course & enjoyed her job until she retired. Her Dad Roy Arnold passed January 13, 1995 & Her Mom Linda Arnold March 10, 2013.

            Mom loved Bingo in her retirement years. Her, Darlene & friends had a real thing going travelling places to “Go play Bingo!!!”

            Dale passed away July 2017. By this time Mom had over 20 surgeries in her life time. Knee, hips, shoulders, stomach etc. …I liked to bug her by calling her the “Bionic Woman!” She really was a Tough Little Lady!

            We decided Mom could not stay alone in Bladworth by herself, so we moved her into the Elks Housing in Davidson. We were only a call away or a few blocks so we could help her out when needed. Mom’s Son in Law, Jack, passed away May 17, 2019.

            Mom still made cakes, puddings, & even buns at times. If her fruit was going bad, she made jams/jellies. She always kept Shawn stalked up with them & the ambulance fella’s thought her jam was delicious!!!

            In 2020 Mom had 2 sons pass away:  Montey January 4, 2020; Mervin October 21, 2020 and her brother Earl passed June 24, 2021

            Mom always loved her phone, tv & visiting. You were always welcome at her house; coffee was always on and cookie jar was full. Her memory was amazing…. she remembered birthdays & anniversaries, AND …if you needed to be “Set Straight” she could do that too!!!

            Mom passed away peacefully April 14, 2023 at the age of 93. All of our family would like to thank everyone who had a part in Mom’s life & to all who attended her funeral as well. Greatly Appreciated!

There will Never be Goodbyes from Us…. Where Ever You Are, Mom, You Will Always Be in Our Hearts!!!

Written By Margo  (Stevenson) Shaw

Margaret Schmidt of Tugaske Sask passed away on May 10, 2023 at the age of 91.

She was predeceased by her husband Delbert.  She is survived by her two daughters Mina (Clem) Sanden and Della Schmidt and two Grandchildren Dillon Sanden (Kayla), and Jessie Sanden (Melanie).

A private family graveside was held May 17, 2023 at Tugaske Cemetery.Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson was in care of arrangements.

June 5, 1938 – April 30, 2023

Emma Schmidtke was born in Mulhausen, Ukraine. She emigrated to Canada in 1948 when she was 10 years old with her mother Mathilde and brother Otto.

They landed in Halifax and headed west to Young, SK. Life was difficult not knowing the language, but Emma had great determination and self will to adjust to Canada. Emma’s church became a very important part of her life. Faithful member of Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church, she was the first lady on church council. She was involved in Bible study group, choir member and Sunday school teacher.

In 1955 Emma married her first husband Harold Schmiedge and they moved to the farm. Emma became a Canadian citizen in 1959. They lived on the farm until 1969 when they moved into Davidson, SK. In September of 1969 Emma became receptionist for Dr AI Katib for the next 29 years. Emma and Harold were married for 26 years when Harold passed away from cancer in 1981. In her 17 years of being a widow, Emma showed her caring and loyal side as she cared for her mother. In 1975 her mother passed away suddenly. Emma battled breast cancer and was a survivor.

Emma through Mary Folk’s “ Match Making” met Art Shaw, her brother. After a short dating period they were married May 31, 1998. Emma seemed to have more joy and laughter when Art came into her life. Emma was a wonderful cook, and loved to entertain. Her hospitality was enjoyed by many friends and family. During the winter, they traveled to Las Vegas for many years in their motor home. They traveled with friends to Nashville, Asheville, Dollywood, Myrtle Beach and many trips to Maui. Emma and Art would have celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on May 31, 2023. Emma always knew what to say and was never afraid to say it- a force to be reckoned with. She knew her mind and couldn’t be pushed to do anything she didn’t want to do.

Emma passed away suddenly at Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon with special friends by her side on April 30, 2023. Emma, referred to by some as “little lady” and “fancy lady” will be greatly missed by her friends and family and loving husband Art.

Service of remembrance for Emma Schmiedge-Shaw was held at Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church on May 18, 2023. Donations may be directed to Davidson Hospital Trust Fund, Saskatchewan Breast Cancer or charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to Hanson’s Funeral Services.

November 24, 1943 – May 26, 2023

It is with heartfelt sadness that Myrtle Aileen Demeester passed away with her love Paul, by her side on their anniversary of 61 years, May 26, 2023 in Davidson Sask. One is never ready to say goodbye, but she was ready for her eternal journey and is now free from  a lengthy battle of health issues and dementia. Family, friends and guests will remember her most for her cooking and apple pie, she made the best!

Myrtle is survived by: Husband Paul Demeester – Daughter Theresa (Dale) Forster, Son – Darwin Demeester, Sisters – Margaret (Bob) Takaki, Helen Zatylny, Dorothy Thomas, Rose (Peter) Kolody, Brother – Lionel Thomas, Brother-in-law – Dennis (Julie) Demeester and Wayne Bentz.

She was predeceased by: Son – Darcy Demeester, Mother – Vera Thomas, Father – Edward Thomas, Brother – Eddy Thomas, Sister – Martha Bentz, Mother-in-law – Andrea Demeester, Father-in-law – Omer Demeester, Brothers-in-law – Julius Zatylny, Carl Billinski and Walter Manz, Sisters-in-law – Madeline Manz, Pauline Thomas and Donna Demeester.

Myrtle had 5 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

In keeping with her wishes, she will be cremated, and a family graveside service will be held at a later date. She will be missed by those who knew and loved her.

For those so wishing, memorial donations in memory of Myrtle may be directed to the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan. Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson in care of arrangements.

With great sadness, we share news of the sudden passing of Raymond Andreas. Raymond was born on May 9, 1936 on a farm east of Girvin to Nick and Barbara Andreas; he was the second child of seven. Raymond went to Sunny Knole School until he started to work for farmers in the Girvin and Craik areas. He then joined his father and two brothers, Frank and Albert, and they farmed together. In the late 50’s, Raymond bought land and farmed on his own.  

In 1963, Raymond met Beatrice Landrie who was from Simpson, SK. They married on April 18, 1964 and welcomed their first child, Colleen, on July 9, 1965; followed by Brent on June 28, 1967 and then Keith on December 23, 1971. 

Raymond, along with Beatrice of course, was known for having a great garden – people would always walk along the back alley in town to see the progress. 

He was a very loving father and husband. That love expanded to his grandchildren and then even greater to his great grandchildren. The kids always knew to go to Grandpa for a treat – there was candy stashed everywhere and even optional ice cream for breakfast.

Raymond loved playing cards and everyone was welcome to play no matter the age – he was always happy to teach anyone willing to learn.  

Raymond went through sorrow from the loss of his youngest son, Keith and then in later years, the loss of his grandson, Eric (Courtney). Raymond was also predeceased by parents, Nick and Barbara; parents in-law, Jack and Marie; brothers and sister in laws, Frank (Jaquie), and Albert (Arlene); brother-in-law, Jim (Helen); brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws, Ed and Irene and Art and Barb; as well as many nephews and extended family. 

To mourn the loss are wife, Beatrice; Daughter, Colleen (Wes); Son, Brent; Grandchildren, Clayton (Mandy), Courtney, Corrine (Vic), Cayla; great grandchildren Malichi, Rhyder, Amellia, Briella (Clayton’s); Jade, Dillon, Waylon (Courtney’s); Jazmine, Sofia (Corrine’s).

1939 – 2023

Barbara Zdunich of Hanley, Sk passed away peacefully on May 25, 2023. A Celebration of life will be on June 11, 2pm at Kenaston Place, Kenaston Sask. In lieu of flowers, for those so wishing, memorial donations may be directed to the Town of Hanley (Hanley Fire Dept.) Service arrangements entrusted to Hanson’s Funeral Home, Davidson Sk.