Ruth Gabert passed away on Saturday February 6, 2016 at the age of 99 in the place closest to her heart - Saltcoats, SK. While the Lakeside Manor Care Home was her final place of residence, she was a fixture in the community of Saltcoats for more than 50 years. She was part of the Women's Curling Club, United Church Choir and United Church Women for all her years there and worked for Harry Riglin's insurance/real estate office for many years. Overall, she was always active in community events and occasions right into her 99th year. Ruth and her beloved husband, Roland were stalwarts in the sports community with their two sons, Keith and Myron. While the men were playing or coaching, Ruth could always be found close by cheering and keeping score as well as just chatting with her neighbours. She had a really keen eye with a ball and a strike as well as open ear and a way with conversation. Even in her last year, she always seemed to know many people wherever she went and took special care to stop and talk. While her husband was alive, she revelled in having company over for tea and games, no matter the time or temperature. If it was a warm summer's day, they would entertain out by the amazingly manicured and always bountiful garden. If it was a cold winter's day, the fireplace inside would be ablaze with a nourishing warmth that was only eclipsed by her soulfully succulent baking. Oh, that baking . . . She was renowned across four towns for that baking. A talent that began at the age of eight became something of legend to those who had tasted even one morsel. She won many first place ribbons at the Saltcoats Fair for preserves and pies alike but it was her bread that was always the toast of the town, often times quite literally, and with a side of crab apple jelly. Ruth was simply a woman that provided great sustenance to everyone around her, whether it be to a stomach, or with a smile, or a simple talk, or a quick laugh, or raucous cheer. She was greatly loved and will be greatly missed. Ruth is survived by her son, Keith, his daughters, Tracy, Dawn, Jamie and Robin and their eight great grandchildren, as well as her grandsons, Jeff and Jason from her predeceased son, Myron. God's got himself a great baker and grandpa has his best friend back. We were all lucky to have her while we did. Funeral Services were held on Saturday, February 13, 2016 from the Saltcoats United Church in Saltcoats, SK with Reverend Walter Farquharson officiating. The organist, Ruth Datema, led the congregation and members of the Saltcoats United Church Choir (and Friends) in the singing of the hymns, "Come Thou Font of Every Blessing", "The Lord's My Shepherd", "Now Thank We All Our God", "Would You Bless Our Homes and Families" and the Recessional was "God Be With You". The Choir Selection was Jesus, You Have Come to the Lakeshore".  The Interment Service followed in the Saltcoats Town Cemetery with Dawn Gabert, Tracy Gabert, Jamie Gabert, Robin Gabert, Jason Gabert and Jeffrey Gabert serving as the casket 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.
