August 10, 1926 – October 7, 2021
Our mother was born in Battleford, Saskatchewan, on August 10th, 1926. She was one of six children, four girls and two boys. Mom helped her mother raise the younger children. She went to school in Battleford, was active in baseball and enjoyed the winters, as there was lots of fun, sleigh riding and making snow angels. The family moved to Creston, BC, when mom was sixteen years old. She worked in the orchards and the fields, hoeing weeds in the summer. The winter was spent doing housework for one dollar an hour and skating. She was always busy.
At seventeen, mom decided to go out on her own. She made several work applications, one in Claresholm and several in Kimberley. After receiving letters from all the applications, she decided on a job in Kimberley, BC; at a restaurant called “Home Cafe.” While working at this restaurant, mom met Stephen Rous, who, after a few months of courtship, would become her husband in April 1944. Then there were two children, both boys, Wayne Stephen and Douglas Leonard, and then numerous grandchildren.
Mom stayed home to raise us children until we moved to Calgary. Then Mom worked in restaurants until she completed her typing course; and she worked in an office until we moved to Brandon, Manitoba.
We set up home there, where mom worked for the Government in the welfare department. We left Brandon and lived in Vernon, BC, for two years, where mom was a medical stenographer. There were always lots of people around our home. Our mom was “Mom” to whomever we brought home. Our friends were always welcome.
We moved back to Calgary, where Mom worked as a secretary for a construction company for many years until she retired in 1985. Mom moved to Claresholm in 1988, where she did a lot of gardening and made many friends. She won many prizes for her beautiful yard and garden with the Claresholm Bench Show. Mom was active with the CNIB chapter and participated in several fundraising walks.
Mom loved her dogs, especially Misty, her beautiful sheltie. Mom crocheted and helped to make blankets for needy children and families. She was also active at the Peace Lutheran Church.