Obituary of Ruth Hildegarde Grunert

Ruth Grunert, formerly of the Springside District, widow of Harvey passed away on February 28, 2020. Ruth Hildagarde Grunert was born Nov. 16, 1931, to Emil and Lydia Gieze (Rogan). Ruth was the youngest of four children. She was born in Yorkton and attended Simpson School and later Yorkton Collegiate. At a young age she learned to understand German, but not could not speak it confidently as it was the children's job to go to school to learn English, and come home to teach the parents. In grade 11, Ruth's principal recommended her for a job as a stenographer for the Massey Harris company, telling her - come back to school if it doesn't work out... It did, and it was while working there that a handsome young farmer drove her home on a day it was pouring rain. Ruth married the love of her life, Harvey Grunert on March 31st, 1950. Ruth continued to work in the early years of their marriage. A few years ago, her granddaughter asked her to show her shorthand - she said she couldn't but she still could. Mom had the most beautiful handwriting. The city girl, who married the farmer, became a partner on the farm. She always blamed shovelling grain for her arms getting big. Mom had a large garden. All our vegetables were picked and processed by her. Raspberries were my dad's favourite, and bread. Mom always made bread. She was a wonderful cook and baker. But she still found time to try new things. She took a course in Chinese cooking, she leaned to sew moccasins, an Eskimo parka, and even jeans for her tall, skinny daughter who could never find ones to fit. Mom could also knit. She could knit anything, slippers, sweaters, jackets. She said she started knitting in school when they would knit for the soldiers during the war. Mom was always there and it seemed she could do everything. For many years, Harvey and Ruth enjoyed spending winters in Arizona. There Ruth continued to try new things. She enjoyed ceramics and beading. She and Harvey were very involved with their church and community in Sun City and made many good friends. Harvey died Jan. 28, 2016. Ruth had already been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, but it was at that time that she told me it was too painful to remember and her disease progressed. It was heartbreaking for us when she would ask the staff at her care home to leave a plate warm for Harvey because he would be in for supper later. Many nights in the recent years, she would wander the halls. I believe she was looking for him. They were married for 65 years, and rarely apart. Harvey and Ruth were blessed with 5 children. Left to celebrate her life are four children and their spouses: Gordon (Debbie), Lynda (Wade Johnson), Sheila (James Hansen) and Stuart (Sheryl). As well as seven grandchildren: Michelle Bell (Craig), and Kristopher Grunert; Rebecca, Alicia, and Micah Johnson and Elizabeth and Emily Hansen. She has two great-granddaughters, Aimee and Kate Bell and a great-grandson, Lukas Grunert. Ruth is predeceased by her husband Harvey and son David, who died in infancy. As well as her brothers Art (wife Ruby) and Martin (who died in the war), and sister, Edna Cooke (husband Bill). Since leaving the farm in 2015, mom constantly said that she wanted "to go home". We are thankful to know that mom is at peace now and will be in heaven, her eternal home. The Funeral Service was held on Saturday, March 7th 2020 at Springside Baptist Church with Pastor Mike Anderson officiating. The accompanists were Jeanette Kriger & Diane Jones. Grant Hoffman led in the congregational singing and Marlon Milbrandt presented the scripture reading. The interment took place in the Ebenezer Baptist Cemetery with Michelle Bell, Rebecca Johnson, Alicia Johnson, Micah Johnson, Elizabeth Hansen and Emily Hansen serving as the casket bearers. Condolences to the family can be posted at www.baileysfuneralhome.com Memorials in Ruth's name may be made to Springside Baptist Church Memorial Fund or Alzheimer's Society, 3301 2550 12th Ave. Regina, SK S4P 3X1 Service Details. Service When: Saturday, March 7th, 2020 11:00am Location: Springside Baptist Church Address: Box 280 SPRINGSIDE, SK S0A 3V0 Interment Location: Ebenezer Baptist Cemetery Address: NE 28-27-4 W2 EBENEZER, SK S0A 0T0