Obituary of Olga Ann Butz

On Sunday February 19, 2023 with family by her side, Olga Butz (nee Menzul) passed away at the Yorkton Regional Hospital. She was 88 years old. Olga was born November 22, 1934 at Roblin Manitoba to Peter and Jessie Menzul. Olga was raised with her only sibling, her brother Edward on the family farm in the District of Zelena, 25 miles north of Roblin. Olga attended Northcliff school and then moved to stay with extended family in Roblin to attend high school and work part time. Olga ventured out to Ontario for a short time with her aunt Nellie who was the same age as her. Once she returned to Roblin, she met Peter (Pat) in 1953. After a one year courtship, they were married in Gilbert Plains Manitoba on November 13, 1954. Olga let Pat know that she longed to leave the farm, and they agreed to start their life in the city. Pat and Olga moved to Winnipeg, and there they both worked and established a home together. They were blessed with three daughters Diane, Debbie and Kim. Olga spent her first 20 years in Winnipeg working for Safeway in the warehouse grading eggs. After many years of standing 8 hours on a cement floor, she decided it was time for a change and worked a couple of short term jobs short, one with a Fishing Tackle distributor and then with Boeing, before she found a job walking distance from home at the Shell Food store. Olga worked there for several years until she and Pat decided to follow Pat’s heart and leave the city. Pat and Olga purchased Valleyview Service at Lake of the Prairies, near Roblin Manitoba and they spent the next 18 years serving the community. They retired in 1999 and moved to Ebenezer where they purchased a home. Olga and Pat both loved the tranquility of the small community and where they enjoyed gardening, tending to the yard and spend time with their grandchildren. After three years, and Olga suffered a heart attack, and she underwent bypass surgery. Although she made a full recovery, they decided that it would be best if they moved to Yorkton. Pat and Olga moved into an apartment where they lived for several years until it was too difficult to manage the stairs. They decided it was time for a seniors complex, and they moved to Victoria Court where this would be the last home they would share together. Pat passed away in 2016. Olga continued to live on her own until she suffered a fall in July 2021. She broke a bone in her arm. Within a few days of her fall, Olga suffered a stroke and again fell, breaking the wrist on her other arm. Olga was no longer able to live independently, and moved in with Kim and Bill. Within a few months, Diane moved in as well, and together, provided care to Olga until her passing. Although Olga chose to not venture out much anymore, she looked forward to her many visits with her daughter Debbie and their daily calls. Olga always made sure she had treats for Debbie’s dog Bella when she would go for her visit; and when not visiting at the house, Debbie would often pick up mom to go for drive and coffee. Olga was predeceased by her husband Peter (Pat), infant son Barry, granddaughter Jessica, parents Peter and Jessie Menzul, brother Edward, sister-in-law Ruth, brothers in law John, James, George Butz and his wife Loni, sister in law Louise and her husband Wasil Wincheruk, and son in law Wayne Ruf. Olga is survived by daughters Diane, Debbie Propp, and Kim (Bill) Hoffman ; six grandchildren:: Tamara (Mike) Bodnar, Kyle ( Becky) Hoffman, Matthew Hoffman, Chloe (Dallas) Shindle, Cory (Becca) Propp, Courtney Propp;; and four great grandchildren; Cohen Hoffman, Michaela Hoffman, and Brian and Emmie Propp. Olga is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the caring staff at the Yorkton Regional Hospital and the nurses on First West for their compassionate and excellent care Olga received during the last few days of her life. Prayers were held on Thursday, February 23, 2023 from Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre. The Funeral Liturgy was held on Friday, February 24, 2023 from St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Leonid Malkov, C.Ss.R. officiating. The cross bearer was Chloe Shindle. The epistle reader was Tamara Bodnar and the eulogy was given by Tamara Bodnar. The interment followed in the Garden of St. Luke, Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Kyle Hoffman, Matthew Hoffman, Michael Bodnar, Corey Propp, Barry Pitz and Randy Pitz serving as casket bearers. In remembrance of Olga’s’ life, memorial donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation as gifts of remembrance.