Rose Kyba (nee Cerkowniak) passed away peacefully on December 7, 2014 at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre, Yorkton, SK. She was 97 years of age. Rose was born February 2, 1917 in the Mazeppa district and married John P. Kyba in 1941. They made their first home on a farm near Hamton, SK where they farmed for many years until moving into Yorkton to retire. Whether on the farm or later in Yorkton, Rose loved to garden, sew, cook and when she had spare time, to read and to socialize. She sewed everything imaginable and always made sure everyone had something new and fashionable to wear to school. It was with great anticipation that Vicki and Carol waited for the final try on of a new outfit off the sewing machine. She cooked delicious meals which were always eaten at the table or packed them up and took them out to the field while John was busy with harvest. Gardening was not only a necessity but a joy for Rose, as plants seemed to spring up behind her when she walked through her huge vegetable garden. Flowers bloomed beautifully all over the yard and indoor plants seemed to grow with joy all over the house. Whatever she was doing, now and then you would hear her humming or singing Bobby Vinton tunes. Later in life it would be Daniel O'Donnell's singing voice that would make her smile. When time came to call it a day, you could always find her in the bedroom with a book in her lap enjoying other worlds until it was time to sleep. Rose was an avid member of the Ladies Association and the Descent of the Holy Spirit Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Mazeppa and later an Honorary Life Member. She helped with Fall Suppers and other events in Mazeppa's Hall and enjoyed attending monthly meetings because it meant getting together with friends and catching up on news. After John's passing in 1996, Rose moved into Fisher Court in Yorkton where she spent the last 17 years. She helped with the flowers outside when she could, took part in teas and dinners and would never miss Friday evenings playing cards (Golf) with her friends. Rose's family wish to extend their sincere appreciation to all the wonderful people at Fisher Court for making her life so happy and for always looking out for her - she could not have lived in a better place and could not have had such a long life without you! Rose was predeceased by her infant sons, John Jr. and twins, Bill and Mark; brothers, Albin, Tony, Walter and John; sisters, Emily Lozinski, Helen Smuk, Victoria Tait and Lily Derkach; and her husband, John. She leaves to mourn her passing and cherish her memory, her daughters, Carol (Danny Kitchen) and Vicki (Dr. Nasir Koudsi) of Yorkton; grandchildren, Carey Kitchen (Nicole) of Saskatoon, Paul Nickless of Calgary and Scott Nickless (Beth) of Calgary; great-grandchildren, Cleo and Hunter; as well as numerous relatives and friends. Prayer Services were held on Sunday, December 14, 2014 and the Funeral Service was held on Monday, December 15, 2014. Both services were held from the Chapel of Christie's Funeral Home in Yorkton, SK and were officiated by the Very Reverend Father Mel Slashinsky. The Cantor was Gerald Yaholnitsky, assisted by members of the Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church Choir. The Cross Bearer was Danny Kitchen. Following a luncheon in the Gunn Reception Room at Christie's Funeral Home, the Interment Service took place in the Sliding Hills Christian Cemetery near Mazeppa, SK with Carey Kitchen, Scott Nickless, Paul Nickless, Orest Kyba, Joe Derkach and Glen Derkatch 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, Saskatchewan.
