Obituary of Rachel Pister

PISTER - Rachel Pister, beloved wife of the late Albert Pister, loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 22, 2007 at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre, with her family at her side. Rachel Pister was born on November 10, 1926 in the Runnymede district of Saskatchewan; a daughter of Henry and Maria Schwartz. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Faith. Rachel led a Christian life. Her strong and firm belief in the Lord was an inspiration to her family. Rachel attended school in the Runnymede district and helped on the family farm. She then met the love of her life, Albert Pister and they were united in marriage on November 16, 1945 at the Christ Lutheran Church in Runnymede. This union was blessed with eight children; Gary, Shirley, Sharon, Arlene, Barbara, Marilyn, Sherry and Grant. They resided in Kamsack for nine years until moving to Rhein in 1955, where Albert took over the Rhein Esso Agency and started farming. In 1967 they homesteaded one mile west of Rhein. Rachel was a devoted and loving wife and mother. Her hard working hands toiled endless hours in the yard and garden. Albert many a times told her he would mount a light on her hoe so she could work a few more hours into the night. Rachel was always there as a mother to her children, preparing meals, doing laundry, cleaning, sewing and knitting. She also enjoyed playing cards with her family and friends. She and Albert travelled for many years south to Texas in the winter and west to BC in the summer. She was involved in the church - ELCW, quilting and knitting sweaters for layettes. She loved and prepared many family gatherings with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. We are all left with treasured memories. She was predeceased by her parents, husband Albert, daughter Sharon, grandchildren Calla and Mitchell, brothers Jack, Alex, Johnny and Willie Schwartz, and by sisters Leah, Edna and Doreen. She leaves to mourn her passing: Gary (Glennis) of Vernon, BC and their children Kyra (Kevin) Gaetz, Karen (Niki) Fraser and Karl (Robbie) Pister; Shirley (Alfred) Ostafie of Yorkton and their children Craig (Kellyann) Ostafie, and Gwen (Brian) Mackesey; Arlene (Mervin) Wegner of Yorkton and their children Jay (Damon) Radison, and Tyler Wegner; Barbara (Jiggs) McLeod of Medicine Hat AB and their children Lindsay (Scott) Vanclieaf, and Michael Laevens; Marilyn (Allan Raiwet) Todoschuk of Regina and her children Michaeline (Aaron) Karpan and Niki-Lyn (Curtis) Todoschuk; Sherry (Gerry) Schnell of Medicine Hat AB and their children Mackenzie, Carson, and Tanner; Grant (Joelann) of Rhein and their children Charlsie, Brianne and Paige; 16 great grandchildren: Jackson, Sawyer, Ethan, Nev, Travis, Becky, Tyson, Dillon, Jessica, Wyatt, McKenna, Rylan, Madisen, Scye, Abigail, Emily, and one on the way. Also sisters-in-law: Shirley Pister of Penticton BC, and Emma Schwartz of Runnymede; and brother-in-law: Alex (Elsie) Pister of Penticton BC, Lawrence (Myrna) Pister of Runnymede; and numerous nieces, nephews, and countless other relatives and friends. A service of comfort was held on Tuesday evening, September 25, 2007 from the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre. The funeral service was held on Wednesday, September 26, 2007 from St. Paul Lutheran Church in Yorkton with Rev. Fred Schneider officiating. Participants in the service included Kellyann Ostafie, Michael Laevens, Gwen Mackesey, Kyra Gaetz, and Margaret Ann Yost. Music was provided by Joleen Cherland on the keyboard and Judy Berg on the organ. "Lord, Take My Hand and Lead Me" and 'Where the Roses Never Fade" were sung and the "Battle Hymn of the Republic" was the recessional. Special music was provided by Charlsie, Brianne and Paige Pister as they sang 'I Can Only Imagine'; Joleen Cherland sang "Under His Wings"; and daughters Shirley and Marilyn, assisted by Ray Yost and Joleen Cherland sang "Tell My Mother', I'll Be There". Rachel's granddaughters were the honorary bearers and formed an honour guard outside the church and at the cemetery. A reception was held in the lower hall of the church immediately following the funeral. The interment took place at the Christ Lutheran Church cemetery in Rhein with sons Garry & Grant, and sons-in-law Alfred Ostafie, Mervin Wegner, Jiggs McLeod, Allan Raiwet and Gerry Schnell serving as the casketbearers. Arrangements were in care of Bailey's Funeral Home. Service Information Wednesday, September 26th, 2007 11:00am, St. Paul's Lutheran Church Interment Details Christ Luthern Church Cemetery