Obituary of Stella Tratch

A memorial folder from the funeral service may be printed under the "Memories" tab, then choose "Memorial Program". TRATCH - Mrs. Stella Tratch of Yorkton, formerly of the Dobrowody district, beloved wife of the late William Tratch passed away peacefully at the Yorkton & District Nursing Home on September 15, 2015 with her daughter Phyllis by her side. Stella was born on December 16th, 1915 to Alex and Frances (Wionzek) Diakow on a farm north of Buchanan, SK. She was the third in a family of eight children. Stella attended "Olesha" country school until Grade 8. After this, she moved to her sister Cecelia's in Wadena, SK where she assisted in caring for her family for 4 years. Stella then returned home because her parents needed help with all the chores on the family farm. The main source of entertainment at that time was the many dances held in the community. This is where she met her soulmate, William ("Bill"). In 1939, Bill and Stella were united in marriage at the Buchanan Ukrainian Catholic Church. Following their marriage, they resided on Bill's family farm with his parents and took care of them for the next 20 years. Living on the farm at that time consisted of a lot of hard work such as milking cows, raising pigs, cattle and chickens, and grain farming as a source of food and income. They also had a large vegetable garden which provided fresh produce in the summer and preserves for the winter. In 1957, they had power installed at their farm, making their work somewhat easier with milking machines, many electrical appliances, and freezers for meat and vegetables. Bill and Stella were blessed with 5 children: Clara, Jeanette, Phyllis, Russell, and LaVerne. Bill and Stella farmed for 33 years. In 1972 they moved to Yorkton where Bill delivered fuel for Petro-Can while Stella was a homemaker. They made many car trips to Edmonton where most of Stella's siblings lived as well as to British Columbia. After Bill's retirement, they enjoyed a bus tour to Expo, the Icefields in B.C., as well as travelled with friends to Clear Lake, MB, and the Peace Gardens in North Dakota. Another favourite pastime was fishing with friends at Lake of the Prairies. Bill and Stella were also active members of the "Golden Agers" and spent many afternoons playing cards and bingo. Many evenings were also spent playing cards with a special group of friends. Stella often talked about the wonderful memories enjoyed on all their trips, including Los Angeles where they visited Disney Land for their 40th Anniversary and Las Vegas for their 80th birthdays. In 1997, Bill and Stella purchased a condo in Yorkton. With Bill's passing in 2002 and Stella's health & mobility changes in 2003, she moved into a suite at the Bentley Retirement Community. She enjoyed her life there with full service meals and housekeeping. Stella thrived there for the next 12 years. On December 27, 2014, Stella fell and suffered a pelvic fracture. After spending two months in the hospital, she was transferred to long term care in Norquay. Stella was then transferred to Country Meadows at the Yorkton & District Nursing Home, where she resided until her passing. Stella was predeceased by her husband Bill (2002); daughter Clara Boyko (1965); granddaughter Carmen (2000); sons-in-law John Tymoschuk (1990) and Orest Lazaruk (2000); parents Alex and Frances Diakow; Bill's parents John and Mary Tratch; siblings: Cecelia (Steve) Wesolowski, Emily (Andrew) Babiuk, Paul (Rose) Diakow, and Joseph Diakow (in infancy). In-laws: Kay Diakow, Paul Tratch, and Joe Krochak. Bill's siblings: Mike (Anne) Tratch, Anton (Stella) Tratch, Katie (Thor) Thorson, Jessie (Bill) Dennis, Nellie (Paul) Hrynkiw, and Metro (Rose) Tratch. Stella leaves to celebrate her life and cherish her memory, her daughter Clara's son Br. Bruno Boyko; daughter Jeanette Tymoschuk, grandson Troy and great grandson Damien & great granddaughters Keanna and Montana; granddaughter Shannon (Bill) McAllister and great grandsons Garrett and Ryan (Brandy) and great great grandsons Carson & Kaiden; daughter Phyllis Lazaruk, grandson Trevor (Nikki), great granddaughter Morgan & great great granddaughter Ashlyn, great grandson Bryton & great great grandson Boston, and great grandson Austin; grand daughter Angie (Mike & children Nathan, Sahcia, and Zoe); granddaughter Vanessa (Keith Hnatiuk); son Russell, grandson Jesse (Caitlyn); daughter LaVerne (Tim) Churko, granddaughter Ashley and grandson T.J. Adam and siblings, Anton Diakow, Mary Tratch and Nancy Krochak. Prayers were held on Sunday, September 20, 2015 at St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church in Yorkton. The Holy Rosary led by Ukrainian Catholic Women's League preceded the prayers. The Funeral Liturgy was held on Monday, September 21, 2015 at St. Mary's Church with Very Rev. Father Bohdan Lukie, C.Ss.R. and Rev. Father Methodius Kushko, C.Ss.R. as Concelebrants. The responses were led by Ron Wizniak (Prayers) and Laurie Fedorowich (Liturgy). The cross bearer was Vanessa Lazaruk and the epistle reader was Bro. Bruno Boyko. Members of the Ukrainian Catholic Women's League of Canada formed an honour guard. The interment followed in the Garden of Crucifixion at Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Trevor Lazaruk, (grandson), Jesse Tratch, (grandson), T.J. Adam Churko, (grandson), Tim Churko, (son-in-law), Keith Hnatiuk, (grandson-in-law) and Dan Tratch, (nephew) serving as casket bearers. A Tribute was given by daughter, LaVerne. Memorials honouring Stella life may be made to St. Mary's Church or the Yorkton & District Nursing Home, Country Meadows Wing. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.baileysfuneralhome.com Vichnaya Pamyat! Eternal Memory! Service Information Sunday, September 20th, 2015 7:00pm, St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church Monday, September 21st, 2015 10:00am, St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church Interment Details Yorkton Memorial Gardens