PETHICK: In Loving Memory of Rhoda Belle Pethick who was born June 5, 1908 at Beatrice, Ritchie County, West Virginia, U.S.A. and passed away May 3, 2012 at North Battleford, SK. Shared memoriesby Ervin Pethick. My brothers and sisters and I put together these words and as we did we could see that a few words can never be sufficient to describe the love and respect we had for our mother. We were very blessed to have had such a loving, devoted and caring mother. The sense of loss we feel leaves a very large void in our lives. We think of our Mom, one of 7 children raised by David and Ida Smith, was born in West Virginia 103 years and 11 months ago. How she was brought to Saskatchewan at the age of 2 when her parents took up a homestead near Alticane. There she grew up and eventually met and married our father, Thomas Pethick, who lived a few miles away on the homestead of his parents. They farmed on the Pethick farm near Wanganui School from the late 1920's into the mid 1940's when they bought a larger farm near Mayfair. Mom and Dad raised seven children, Ilene, Ervin, Ronnie, Dorothy, Evelyn, Bonnie and Gordon. Dad died in 1962. Mom stayed on the farm another four years then moved to North Battleford. On May 1, 1974 she was one of the original tenants who moved into the newly constructed Davidson Manor. There she lived until moving into River Heights Lodge on January 12, 2007. Mom was predeceased by her parents; all her brothers and sisters; her husband; her daughters, Ilene and Evelyn; her daughter-in-law, Alice Pethick and three sons-in-law, Bob Page, Jack Scotton and Victor Youst. She is survived by her loving children: Ervin (Helen) Pethick, Ronnie Pethick (friend, Julie), Dorothy Youst, Bonnie Scotton and Gordon (Desiree) Pethick; 21 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; 17 great-great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Florence Smith and Laura Smith. Mom was always known, within the family and to her friends, as someone you could rely on. After moving to North Battleford she was asked by a family if she would care for their children while they went on a trip. She did so and was found to be so dependable that soon, by word of mouth, she was in demand by others. Over the next several years she took care of the households of many families while the parents were away. She became like a second Mom to many of the children in those families. Children who to this day, although now grown up, still fondly remember her. Mom's own family was her life. Family was #1. The time she spent with her children and their families was the happiest time for her. Being of sound mind to the end, she maintained that interest in her family to the last. She loved us all unconditionally. She listened when someone wanted to talk and offered advise if it was needed. Our hurt was her hurt. Our failures were her failures. Our successes were her successes. She was there for us through good times and bad times, no matter what. Gentle, humble, unselfish, compassionate, she placed the well being of others before the well being of herself. During conversations she would be talking about things that were happening and after answering questions about her health she would say "But I can talk. I'm fine". Although in failing health she would downplay her health problems so she would not be too much of a source of worry to others. She was not one to complain. Never hateful, never bitter, there was never any self-pity. Instead she focused on the blessings in her life. Her optimism seemed to bring fresh air into our lives and lift our spirits. As long as she could take care of herself she was careful to do so. If she was going to get her hair done and someone asked her "Are you going out?" she would say "No, I get it done all the time. You have to stay presentable, you know." Over the years Mom liked to travel and took several train and bus tours. She liked to play Kaiser and having fun during the games. As well, she liked to joke with you and sometimes that joking included a subtle point she wanted to make. Mom also enjoyed watching curling on TV and tracked the progress of the competing rinks. She also followed some soap operas. After a soap opera program she would sometimes say "The mess those people get into. I know what they should do but they don't do what they should do." Mom loved to cook and can preserves and over the years beginning in the late 1920's into 2006 she did so - for a large family, for hired men, for threshing crews. As long as she could cook you never left her place without having a snack and a cup of tea or coffee, always served with that cheerful outlook and sunny disposition. Before the discomfort got too severe Mom kept herself busy crocheting and knitting for countless hours. Afghans, gloves, mittens, slippers. She patiently worked away with that cheerful disposition doing what she could, giving of herself for the benefit of others. Over the years Mom had an abundance of friends. And people found that she was indeed a true friend. Respectful of the feelings of others, caring, supportive and always willing to lend a hand. Mom spent just short of 33 years at Davidson Manor. When she was strong enough she willingly helped in the lounge there. She helped to arrange and serve meals and baked things as her contribution to the food. Her cheerful, helpful disposition was evident at those gathering. She loved to visit with those who came to the lounge. Mom often told stories of the challenges of the late 1920's, the depression years of the Dirty 30s, and of subsequent years. The good times as well as the difficult times. Her positive, enthusiastic outlook on life shone through in those stories. She often said that if she had the choice she would do it all over again. Mom brightened our lives with her warm, sincere smile. Once she took a taxi home to Davidson Manor and forgot her glasses in the taxi. The taxi driver brought them back to Davison Manor but didn't know Mom's name. He handed them to a person at the door and said "They belong to the smiling one" Those at the door knew who it was. We can't say goodbye to you Mom, because all we have to do is close our eyes and that smiling face will be right there. You enriched our lives. You lightened our load. You brightened our days, we loved you and we will miss you. In closing I quote from an anonymous author: "Those we love remain with us - For love itself lives on - And cherished memories never fade - Because a love one's gone - Those we love can never be more than a thought apart - For as long as there is memory They'll live on in the heart." The Funeral Service was held Monday, May 7, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. from Third Avenue United Church, North Battleford, SK with Rev. Frances Patterson officiating. Music Ministry was by Organist/Pianist, Jaya Hoy; Third Avenue Sanctuary Choir; Soloist, Robert MacKay, "One Day At A Time". The Hymn Selections were "How Great Thou Art", "Amazing Grace" and "Peace Is Flowing Like A River". The Honourary Pallbearers were "All Who Shared Mom's Life". The Pallbearers were Shawn Scotton, Ritchie Youst, Dwayne Scotton, Lorne Pollard, Leslie Pethick and Lance Pollard. Memorials are requested to The Heart and Stroke Foundation, - (Any Division); Canadian Cancer Society - (Any Unit) or to "The Auxiliary" - River Heights Lodge, 2001 - 99th St, North Battleford, SK S9A 0S3. Interment took place at Garden of Christus, Woodlawn Memorial Gardens, North Battleford, SK. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Battlefords Funeral Service. 446-4200. Card of Thanks Thank you to Dr. Johnson, the nurses and staff at River Heights Lodge for the care and compassion given to our mother over the past five years, to Reverend Frances Patterson for the Service, to the Battlefords Funeral Service, to Bob Mackay for singing, to the United Church ladies for the lunch and to all who sent flowers, food and condolences. Thank you to Al Love and the Battlefords Handi Bus System for always being available to make Mom's outings enjoyable. All greatly appreciated. Ervin, Ronnie, Dorothy, Bonnie, Gordon and families. ____________________________________________________
