Nellie Bilous was born in Yorkton, SK on February 14, 1920, a Valentine's Day gift for her parents, Theodore and Annie (nee Beck) Konkel. The family came to Canada from the Ukraine when Nellie was very young and persevered through the difficulties that faced immigrant families of that time. She often shared memories of growing up with her two brothers and five sisters and remembered the family struggling financially. She met Metro Bilous of Canora and the couple were married in 1938. They endured hard times farming and raising their family of one daughter, Veronica and three sons, Clarence, Orville and Jeff. Nellie and Metro farmed two quarters of land near Roblin, MB and raised milk cows, pigs and birds. She worked hard on the farm and always kept a huge garden. Throughout her life, Nellie always enjoyed sharing the stories of her life on the farm. Following Metro's death in 1974, Nellie remained on the farm until 1979 when she sold the farm and moved into Yorkton, SK. She moved to Saskatoon, SK in 1999 and in 2006 relocated to Edmonton, AB to a Good Samaritan facility that her granddaughter managed. As her health declined, she became a resident of Salem Manor in Leduc, AB where she remained until her passing on July 26, 2015. Nellie was very musically talented, could play the fiddle and mandolin and loved to dance. She enjoyed going to Church and especially enjoyed being a part of the choir and attending choir practice. She also enjoyed all types of handiwork and crafts like sewing, knitting and needlepoint. In her younger years, Nellie played softball, but more recently her favourite pass times were bingo, bowling, card games and going out for a nice meal. Nellie was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Metro; granddaughter, Angela and grandson, Curtis. She leaves to mourn her passing, her children, Clarence (Marlene) Bilous, Veronica (Garland) Bouvier, Orville (Teresa) Bilous and Jeff Bilous; four grandchildren and their families as well as many other relatives and friends. A Visitation for family and friends was held on Thursday, July 30, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. from the Chapel of Christie's Funeral Home in Yorkton, SK. The Funeral Service was held on Friday, July 31, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. from the Chapel of Christie's Funeral Home in Yorkton, SK with Rev. Jen Dresser of St. Andrew's United Church officiating. The organist, Lorne Neal played the processional hymn, "The Lord Is My Shepherd" and the recessional hymn, "God Be With You Til We Meet Again". Nellie's son, Orville Bilous gave tribute to his mother in eulogy. The family shared a special photo tribute in memory of Nellie. The Interment Service followed in the Yorkton City Cemetery with Cheryl Diletzoy, Jocelyn Suri, Darryl Diletzoy, Garland Bouvier, Rick Bilous and Ramond Bilous serving as pall bearers. Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, SK.
