Grade 12 students from Balcarres Community School participate in their graduation exercises in the school gym on May 28. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Date of Birth: February 12, 1928

Eva Rieger (known as Aunt Eva by family and non-family) was born on Feb. 12, 1928 in Grayson, a daughter to Armand and Barbara (nee Zimmer) Desrosiers. She attended Ferrell School and later married Tony on Oct. 20, 1947, at which time they took over the family farm. They moved into Grayson in 1979.
Eva was a school bus driver from 1970 to 1992. Tony passed away in 1997 and in 1998 Eva moved into the Grayson Twilight Home. She was a Saskatchewan Housing Board director from 1985-1998 and was the longest original resident. In her earlier days, she was involved in the church and the curling and skating rinks.
Eva loved baking, making cabbage rolls, sewing, playing cards and bingo, polka music and occasionally was seen at a casino. She always struck up a conversation with people of all ages, even if they were strangers, no matter where she was.
Aunt Eva was a strong-minded and even stronger-willed person, doing things by herself even in her 80s, and she didn’t slow down until this past year. She greatly enjoyed people and the community of Grayson and surrounding area. You could always find her having coffee and lunch at the store, which she loved so much, always kibitzing with people, and she loved having a few laughs with her quick, sharp wit. She also loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Eva leaves to cherish her memories, love for people and her fullness of life: daughter, Sandra (Bruce) Nelson; son, Conrad (Karen) Rieger and their children, Amanda (Clayton) Geck, Jordan (Jennifer) Rieger,
Cameron (Cassandra) Rieger and their daughter, Elliahna; grandchildren, Grant Temple (Lindsey Pringle and daughter, (Mary) and daughters, Ashley and Janelle Temple, Rhonda (Bob) Szautner and children, Austin Gamracy (Megan) and daughter Lily, Taylor Gamracy, McKinley and Reid Szautner; sister, Kathleen Lichtenwald and her husband George; and brother. Clarence Desrosiers; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and very close friends.
Eva was predeceased by her parents; husband, Tony; daughters, Leona, Marcy Temple and her husband Gary; brother, George; sisters, Mildred Ottenbreit and Corrine Parislau; sister-in-law, Katie Desrosiers; and brothers-in-law, Edward Ottenbreit and Doug Parislau.
Aunt Eva has gained her angel wings and will forever watch over her family, friends and card partners. We want to thank all of those who kept a loving, watchful eye over Mom throughout the years.
Mass of Christian burial will be held for Eva on Wednesday, May 25, 2016 at 11 a.m., from St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Grayson, with the Rev. Father Thomas Mutavanattu officiating.
A private family interment will take place in St. Mary’s Cemetery at a later date.
Those who wish, may make a donation to St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church Memorial Fund in Eva’s name. For more information, visit www.matthewsfuneralhome.ca.
Matthews Funeral Home, Melville is entrusted with the arrangements.

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