It is with sadness that we announce the sudden passing of a wonderful and loving mother, granny and great-granny. Edna was born November 1, 1926 on the family farm in the Orkney District near Springside, second youngest child of seven, the daughter of William and Jessie (nee McKen) Benjamin. On November 1, 1947, Edna married Sidney Graves of Springside. Following their marriage they resided in Springside until 1954 at which time they moved to Yorkton as Sidney was employed by a construction firm. It is here that they raised their family of four children. In 1986 Sidney passed away leaving Edna to forge a life on her own for the next 30 years. With her perseverance and love of life she was able to find the strength and will to continue through many health issues. She is most remembered by her family for her strength of character, loving nature and devotion to her family. Edna was predeceased by her husband, Sidney, her brother William (Jean), sister, Margaret (William Cumming), brother Robert (Helen), sister Florence (Earl Christensen), brother Jim (Marion), sister Jessie Graves. She will be lovingly remembered by her daughter Merle Gramyk, her children: Darren (Rochelle) Gramyk and Carma Gramyk, all of Yorkton; daughter Margaret Derkacht (Dennis) of Regina Beach and their children, Leah (Dan) Kurtz and David (Christa) Derkacht of Regina; son Curtis (Gayle) Graves of Estevan and their children Kara and Shaina of Saskatoon and Bradley of Estevan; daughter Cheryl (Shawn) Engel and their children Taylor and Courtney of Calgary. Great-grandchildren: Bennett Gramyk, Logan and Nolan Kurtz, Avery, Everett, Cooper, Liam and Ethan Derkacht, Chase, Josh and Fayden Gramyk and brother-in-law Alan Graves as well as numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends. The funeral service was held on Monday, April 25, 2016 from the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre with Rev. Deacon Luanne Hrywkiw of Holy Trinity Anglican Church officiating. Tributes were given by Carma Gramyk, Leah Kurtz and Fayden Gramyk. Scripture readings were read by Dennis Derkacht and Logan Kurtz. Judy Berg was the organist, leading in the hyms 'Just As I Am', 'Morning Has Broken' and 'Softly And Tenderly'. Piper, Erin Clifford played at the gravesite. The interment followed in the Garden of St. Matthew at Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Greg Graves, Glenn Graves, Ben Christensen, David Derkacht, Dan Kurtz and Darren Gramyk serving as casket bearers. Memorials were to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or to the Gladstone Seniors Residence. Condolences can be left at baileysfuneralhome.com. A special thank-you to the staff at the Gladstone Seniors Residence for their kind and loving care and to Luanne Hrywkiw who blessed our Mom with her love and friendship.
