Bethke, Ruth Dora
RUTH DORA BETHKE (née: Wemert)
April 10th, 1928 – March 24th, 2021
Our Ruthie passed away holding her daughter’s hand in the early hours of Wednesday, March 24th, 2021 at the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital. She was born in a “shack” in the Courval/Palmer district, the middle daughter of Joe Wemert and Anna (Wuschke) Wemert. There was a move to another small “house” north of where she was born, which came to be known as the West Place. In the 40’s, they moved to the Sonstelie homestead bordering the south of Old Wives Lake and north of Mossbank.
Ruth married Edwin Bethke on October 10th, 1953 and they resided on the farm with her parents. Carol was born in 1954 and Diana in 1957. In 1968 they bought their own farm, the “Fred Wuschke Place”, a few miles west from the lake. There she continued her life of very hard work as a farm wife with no running water. She milked the cows (always having a favorite milk cow), slopped the pigs, and raised chickens, ducks and turkeys. She was also involved in the butchering and sausage making, and sold cream and eggs so she would have her own money to buy things for “her girls”. She was also active with gardening, canning, baking (including the best buns ever!), driving truck, combining and handling any other farm task. Ruth faced many challenges in her long life but faced them with a positive attitude and her sunny smile.
She was predeceased by her husband, Edwin in 1978; daughter, Carol Mardell in 2005; aunt, Lena Wuschke, older sister, Trouty Nagel; younger sister, Lillian; brothers-in-law, Arnie Nagel and Allen Smith; and nephews, Alfred and Irwin Nagel. Ruth leaves to mourn: her youngest daughter, Diana (Don McPherson); grandchildren, Alicia and Jarett Mardell; son-in-law, Lawrence Mardell; Don’s children, Sheri (Sheldon) Tangan and Chad McPherson; was Gramma Ruth to: Zak, Matt and Alec Tangan, and Jordan and Jaicee McPherson; her “Nagel” nieces and nephews: Teddy, Ella (George) Petrisor, Shirley (Glen) Emmons, Alvin (Wendy), Elden, Thyra (Irwin – deceased) and Margaret (Alfred – deceased); her “Smith” nieces and nephews: Twyla (Wayne) Sirovyak, Lorna (Jeff) Barber, Debbie (Dale) Santa, Dwaine (Heather), and Joey (Sandy); as well as numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a Private Family Service will be held. Interment will take place next to her husband at St. Mathews Country Cemetery near the farm at Mossbank, SK with Pastor Marvin Seaborg officiating. Friends and Family are invited to view the service virtually on Thursday, April 1st, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. by going to www.moosejawfuneralhome.com/webcast/. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ruth’s name may be made to St. Mathews Cemetery c/o Jane Singbeil, PO Box 393, Mossbank, SK S0H 3G0. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Todd Sjoberg, Funeral Director 306-693-4550
Our sincere condolences Diana & Don and families. We look back with such fond memories of your mom
Diana, such a kind, caring lady always with her warm smile.
Most heartfelt condolences to the Bethke-Nagel -Smith families in the passing of Ruth
Diana and Family, sorry to hear of your mom’s passing.
Diane, my condolences on the loss of your Mother. I did not know her well, but recall my Mom and your Mom were friends way back when in Mossbank. I will keep your Mother and your family in my prayers Diane. Like myself, I am sure you know our Mother’s are now in Heaven. We can be thankful we have that old friend. May all your fond memories and pictures of your Mom help to sustain you going forward. Your Mom always seemed so sweet and happy. May God Bless you all in this tough time Diane.
We’ve known Ruth for many years and offer our sincere condolences to Diana & her family.
Ruth was never unappreciative of the hundreds of trips we made to Maguire and back, always smiling, and usually had an interesting story to tell! On behalf of myself and the rest of Transit — sorry for your loss.
I remember your Mom as a cheerful woman always busy making something or baking. I also remember Diana & I as young kids being chased by the big turkeys at their farm and us high tailing it up into to their tree fort.You had warned me they could be mean birds and they were! Our Moms came outside looking for us. ..they wondered why we had not come in for a cookie.Moms to the rescue…they sorted out those aggressive birds !We used to get eggs and turkeys from Ruth…I never felt sorry for those birds after they chased us pecking away.Carol also babysat me several times way back. Memories pop into mind and should be written down. Treasure your memories.
Diana , I know you did a lot to help your Mom and getting her to appointments, Drs and doing your best to make her comfortable. She knew you loved her .Sending you mental hugs and sympathy to you and your cousins
Diana you and your mom were a great team and you were the best daughter. Ruth loved you to the moon and back. That’s one of life’s best rewards.